Obituary

Paul "Donald" Fontenot

April 22, 1930 - July 25, 2023

Paul “Donald” Fontenot, age 93, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 25th, 2023, at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Humble, TX.

Donald Fontenot was born on April 22, 1930, in Port Arthur, TX to Paul and Alma Fontenot. He was the eldest of five siblings. Donald spent his years growing up in Port Arthur, TX and Oakdale, LA. He graduated from Oakdale High School in 1948. In 1951 he entered the army where he spent the next two years serving our country in the Korean War. After returning home from the war, he married his sweetheart Darlene Joy McElroy on Feb 28th, 1953. In 1954 they moved to Franklinton, LA where they spent the next 49 years of their life before eventually moving back to Texas.

During Donald and Joy’s time in Franklinton they raised their three boys Jeff, Kyle, and Jay. Donald worked with his Uncle Earl Martin at Earl L. Martin Inc. serving as powerline contractors for REA and CLECO. He eventually took over the reins of the company when his uncle retired. They made many lifelong friendships during their years in Franklinton.

Family was everything to Donald. His family will always remember him as the one that never told them “no.” He enjoyed hosting and cooking for large gatherings of family and friends. Fishing, traveling, and tending to his farm were some of the many things he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Alma Fontenot, his son Jeff Fontenot, his brothers Gary Fontenot and Mike Fontenot and great grandson Jackson Lang.

Survived by: His wife of over 70 years, Joy Fontenot of Humble, TX; two sons and their spouses: Kyle and Kathy Fontenot of Humble, TX, Jay and Amber Fontenot of Kemah, TX; Grandchildren and their spouses: Candice and Matt Barber of Lake Charles, LA, Carson and Rosalie Fontenot of Pensacola, FL, Hunter and Elena Fontenot of Katy, TX, Dylan Fontenot of Jacksonville, FL Isabella Fontenot of Houston, TX Lauren Fontenot of Austin, TX, Ashley Fontenot of Houston, TX; Sisters and their Spouses: Shirley and Harold Brady of Oakdale, LA, Polly and Lloyd Stevens of Oakdale, LA; 12 beloved great grandchildren and numerous special nieces, nephews, and friends.

Donald was loved by so many families and friends that lived all over. The family asks for everyone to please join them for a Celebration of Life on Saturday August 5, 2023, from 12-2pm at First Baptist Church of Franklinton.