Gerald Lee Fontenot
Gerald Lee Fontenot, 86, of China, died Wednesday, January 12, 2022. He was born on July 9, 1935, to Eula Young Fontenot and Lee Fontenot, in Beaumont, and served in the National Guard. Gerald was employed by Beaumont Rice Mill and was a rice farmer for many years. He was also co-owner of W.F. Dragline.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon Fontenot; daughters, Catherine LaNell Fontenot of Beaumont; Lorrie Hoffpauir and her husband, Patrick, of Beaumont; and Deanne Frampton Halbert of Milton, Vermont; grandchildren, Christina Hoffpauir and Lucas Hoffpauir, both of Beaumont and Sheperd Halbert of Milton, Vermont; 4-legged companion, Tucker; and numerous, nephews and their spouses.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nina Mae Bogan Fontenot; sisters, Una Mae “Sis” Adams and Cynthia Marie Bickford.
A Rosary for Mr. Fontenot will be recited at 10:00 a.m., with a gathering of his family and friends to follow at 10:30 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 245 West Highway 90, China. His interment will follow at China Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, P.O. Box 38, China, Texas 77613 or The Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event, you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Coronavirus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov.
Video
Rosary
- January 15, 2022
- 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Gathering of Family and Friends
- January 15, 2022
- 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Mass of Christian Burial
- January 15, 2022
- 11:00 am
Interment
China Cemetery
- Benoit, China, Texas, 77713,
My condolences to the family, I’ve known Gerald for a while, he worked with my dad Tut Harrington for Bmt rice mills. Gerald use to come say hi to me at Mike Smith when he saw me one day working there, he loved to talk. He will be missed!
LaNell, I’m so sorry about you losing your Dad. Looks like my mom and dad just went about 6 weeks apart. I’ve missed you my friend!
LaNell and Lorrie I am praying for you as I read this. Maybe someday soon we can visit again.
Gerald was my first friend when we moved to China in late summer 1942. He was a lively, funny kid and stayed the same as a man. I hadn’t seen Gerald in seventeen years, but I will always have fond memories of him.
I knew Georld and he was always was a very nice kind person to me and he was my brother in law at one . I visit him about a year ago and we had a very good visit. My prayers going out to his family. My he R I P today and be with our good Lord Jesus Christ and his family
LaNell and Lorrie – you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. You know that dad is at peace now and happy with our Lord.
Rest it Peace
Praying for Lanell and the rest of the family.
My sympathies to you love Nell and Laurie and all the family.
Your dad was a unique guy who loved all of you very much.
Sharon and family, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Praying for you and for peace and comfort.
Gerald was a remarkable man! He had strong faith! He was very knowledgeable about many things. I am Blessed to have known him! Praying for Sharon and all of his family! He will be deeply missed!
It is said that every person you meet in your life, will influence your life from that moment forward. My brother-in-law Gerald will forever be on my mind and in my heart as one of those very positive influences. Wishing you a speedy trip to heaven!
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the family.
I remember Gerald from China Football games. That was because I wanted to play when I got old enough. I cherish those days still. I just hope I was at least as good as Gerald was in the day. Lloyd Adams was my best friend so we looked forward to the day we could play also. I did a Rosary for his soul the minute I heard he passed away. I will pray for the family also. Adam Felton Courville Class of 1961
LaNell and family, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts, prayers, and sympathies are with all of you. God’s peace and blessings be with all of you.
Sharon, thinking of you during this sad time! My sympathies go out to you for your loss! Gerald will certainly be missed!
Thank you so much! I can only imagine the conversations Gerald and Robert are having. Gerald missed Robert deeply!
Oh, Lorrie and LaNell, I just saw this and my heart broke for you and your family. I know tonight that he, my dad and Frank Hawley are all smiling and laughing it up again. For us who remain here, we shed tears and wonder why we can’t have had just a few more years with them. I send my condolences and surround you in love.
Marcy
I have to say, my first thought when Gerald passed was that he would be with Robert again. He so missed his friend!