Joseph David Lionel Fournier, 90, died October 19, 2020, in Frisco, Texas. He was born June 11, 1930 in Pawtucket, Rhode Island to Napoleon and Roseanna Fournier, as the youngest of seven children. He enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 17, and later married Betty Sumner of Florida. Together they had a son, Joseph Paul. After their divorce, Joe married Rozemary Fournier of Joshua, Texas on February 4, 1955, and they had two daughters. He completed Officer Candidate School and then earned a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1962. In 1969, Joe retired as a Major and then worked until 1992 as an aeronautical engineer for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Missouri. He obtained his master's degree in engineering management from the University of Missouri in 1979. He and Rozemary were active members of Kirk of the Hills Presbyterian Church for many years, where he served as both deacon and elder. In 2001, they moved to Everett, Washington, and then ten years later to Frisco, Texas, to be near their daughter, Monica, and her family.
Joe's life was always centered around his family and the churches where he served. Because of his love for the Lord, he wanted to share his faith and was an active member of Gideons for 44 years. He and his wife loved to travel and went on multiple tours and cruises in many parts of the world. He was an avid golfer up until a year ago, truly enjoying the sport and his time with friends on the course. After retirement, he also enjoyed learning to paint. What is most amazing, however, is the devotion with which Joe cared for his wife, Rozemary. She used a wheelchair for the last 20 years, which meant him constantly handling the heavy, awkward chair and pushing her everywhere they went. He did this in love, willingly fulfilling his role without complaining. His commitment to not only her needs but also to her happiness was admirable. His legacy of faith and love will continue to be a blessing through his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his daughters, Michele Todd and husband, Leo, Monica Davenport and husband, David, eleven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; his son, Joseph Paul Graham, and his wife, Rozemary.
A graveside service with Full Military honors will be held at 11:15 a.m., Tuesday, October 27, 2020 at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:Gideons International at https://www.gideons.org/donate.