February 2, 1946 ~ February 28, 2021
Earnest Fontenot of Denham Springs, LA died due to complications surrounding leukemia on February 28, 2021. He was 75 years old.
Earnest was born in Cottonport, LA on February 2, 1946 to Sayo and Beulah Fontenot. While serving as a jet engine mechanic for the United States Air Force in Laredo, Texas, he met the love of his life. On February 25, 1968 he married Janie (Juana) Gonzalez in Laredo, where they began their 50-plus years of joyful marriage. In 1970, they moved to Louisiana, where they raised their two daughters and son. As a devoted husband and father, his wife and children were the most important parts of his life.
Earnest is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law Lillian and Charles Chustz of Walker, LA and Desiree’ and Stephen Wales of Deatsville, AL; his son Earnest Fontenot, Jr of Kinder, LA; and his grandchildren Chassidy Estrada, Matthew and Brandi Chustz, Michael, Rachel, Joshua, Andrew and Sophia Wales, and Hannah and Rebecca Page. He is also survived by his sister Lillian Goudeau. He is preceded in death by his wife Janie, his parents, his brothers Leo, Edward, Mayo, and Wilson Fontenot, and his sisters Olive Grimball and Gladys Carmouche.
In addition to his military service, he continued to serve others through the American Legion, representing the Legion at military funerals. A brilliant mechanic, Earnest never met a problem he couldn’t conquer. He was always eager to use his talents to help others and patiently passed his decades of mechanical wisdom to his children, sons-in-law, and grandsons. He was a light-hearted bear of a man and was passionate about helping his family. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Visitation will be at Seale Funeral home, Denham Springs, LA on Monday, March 8th from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m with a memorial service scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Reverend Claude McRoberts from Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, Alabama will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Earnest’s life with us. Private graveside service will be held at Louisiana National Cemetery in Zachary.. Flowers and condolences may be offered at:
Seale Funeral Home
1720 S. Range Avenue
Denham Springs, LA 70726
6 comments
Lester Grimball
March 9, 2021 at 2:03 am
In memory of my brother, my friend
Yesterday, my heart was breaking
To see such a gentle soul
Struggling so hard to stay,
So not to sadden the love ones
He would leave behind ,knowing
He lives forever in their hearts
Now, he is resting in his loving wife arms
Free from pain, filled with love
Allow me a moment to share
With you , my brother, Earnest
He was a kind and generous soul
Who always shared his greatest gift
Himself
If ever I was in need , of anything
Conversation, sharing memories
His assist in all the times, my mother
Needed his presence near
Even if I was unable to ask
He aided my loving wife
Through hard days
Whenever I was down and out
So many memories
So much of himself he gave
Time is a gentle breeze , allowing us
To create the memories
For when the breeze stands still
The memories flood in , to fill
The void with his leaving
Knowing he is in a better place
My little brother, I am missing you awful
My heart breaks , in this moment of stillness
I am so happy , my guardian angel
Helped you crossover, to join Janie
I can assure you,
I will call upon you
In your new role
My guardian angel
Psst , leave your pool stick
With Janie, I want to live in memory
I won our last game
Always , my little brother in memory
Forever in my heart
Your big brother
GregO
March 4, 2021 at 4:19 pm
Uncle Ernest was an incredibly kind, giving and selfless man. He truly lived to serve others and I am personally grateful to have known him. He was always there to help, and God live will embrace him and happily accept such a giving and kind soul who did his work in this world. He will be missed.
Aleta Obrien
March 4, 2021 at 12:37 am
This picture is so you, Uncle Ernest. You brought laughter wherever you went. I can’t believe you aren’t here. You were so kind and helpful when my dad was in the hospital. Yours was a gentle strength. We shared an interest in family heritage and you loved telling me stories. You also loved a good steak meal with the famous Grimball goulash. We love you and miss you.
Dale Rayborn
March 3, 2021 at 5:34 am
Ernest, I really cant believe that your gone. I will be missing you so much. We just talked about the springtime weather coming up and getting ready for our next trike rides. I wish we would have had more time to spend together and time to take many more trike rides. There was never a place that we rode that we did not have a great time together. You were one of the greatest and kindest man that I have ever known. I actually think you have shown me the meaning of a true best friend! I know now u are lot happier, since you are now in heaven. You are back with the love of your life that you spoke about so many times, and missed so much. I am going to miss our rides, and trips but also our talks with each other just about everyday life. Until we can meet again MyFriend…REST IN PEACE. Love you, and will have your family in my thoughts and prayers. DALE AND JENNIFER RAYBORN.
Rhonda Taylor
March 2, 2021 at 7:12 am
Prayers for his family he was a good man.
Betty
March 1, 2021 at 11:13 pm
Uncle Earnest you will be greatly missed you are a one-of-a-kind person who never met a stranger rest in peace granny will be OK you will be missed and you will be love can we all meet you again I love you