Harold Fontenot

Harold Fontenot

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church at 11:00 am. on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 for Joseph Harold Fontenot, age 73, with interment to follow in the Bellevue Memorial Park. The Reverend Angelo Cremaldi will officiate.

Mr. Harold died peacefully in his sleep the morning of Sunday, September 20, 2009 in the midst of a tough battle with cancer. He remained determined, optimistic and courageous throughout this struggle, and loved and appreciated the unfailing support of his family and friends. Mr. Harold was a true humanitarian who touched the lives of the people of St. Landry Parish for many years. He quietly gave generously of his time, treasure and talent to those who needed him. With his lifelong friends Bobby Brinkman and Hadley Castille, he played Cajun and Country music and sang for community events and at local nursing homes. He loved to entertain, and did so frequently at The Brink, his family retreat. Harold loved people and he loved life, and he will be sadly missed.

Mr. Harold was a businessman born in the community of Lewisburg, and he owned several retail and service oriented businesses with his mother, Euna Fontenot. At the time of his passing, he was the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and President of St. Landry Homestead Federal Savings Bank. He loved his work and considered the bank officers and staff his extended family.

He was a faithful member of Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church where he served as a lector and on the church parish council. He was instrumental in the building and organization of the Perpetual Adoration Chapel. He was honored by the Boy Scouts of America as their Man of the Year.

Mr. Fontenot is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Juanita Brinkman Fontenot; a son, Joseph Harold Jody Fontenot, Jr. and wife, Jackie; three daughters, Michele Fontenot Ramirez and husband Brent Ramirez of New Orleans; Taryn Fontenot Couvillion and Dr. John Couvillion of Baton Rouge; and Suzanne Fontenot Kidder and husband Todd Kidder of Opelousas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, of whom he was so proud, Elizabeth Fontenot, Blakeley Ramirez, Tyler Ramirez, Austin Couvillion, Camille Couvillion and Simone Couvillion, Patrick Kidder and Anna Kate Kidder, and three loving sisters, Virval Bradley, Carolyn Ferrazzano, and Myra Corrigan.

He was predeceased by his parents, Austin J. Fontenot and Euna Labbe Fontenot and by a son, Todd Austin Fontenot.

Pallbearers for the funeral service will be Johnny Fontenot, Todd Kidder, Brent Ramirez, A. B. Courville, Curly Darby and Bobby Brinkman. Honorary pallbearers are Armand Brinkhaus, A. C. Bellard, Donald Angelle, Totsy Carrier, Charles Boody Boagni, Austin Couvillion, Tyler Ramirez, Patrick Kidder, Levoys Smith and Kevin Brown. Readers for the funeral service will be Mr. Harolds godchildren, Donna Bradley Kline and Dr. Joe Landreneau. The eulogy will be presented by his son, Jody Fontenot and his nephew, John Ed Bradley. Gift bearers will be his granddaughters, Elizabeth Fontenot, Blakeley Ramirez, Camille Couvillion , Simone Couvillion and Anna Kate Kidder.

Visiting hours for Mr. Harold will be at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home on the Highway 182 South on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 from 3 pm. until 8 pm, and at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church on Wednesday morning, September 23 from 8 am until the time of service. A Rosary will be recited on Tuesday evening at 7 pm. at the funeral home

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Harold Fontenots name may be made as follows:

Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

4301 West Markham Street, Slot 816

Little Rock, AR 72205-9985

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas is in charge of the arrangements. 337 942-2638
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Visitation

Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home
2845 S. Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
3:00 pm until 8:00 pm

Service

Church

Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church
2125 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
1100 a.m.

Cemetery

Bellevue Memorial Park Cemetery
4833 Hwy. 182 South
Opelousas, LA  70570

Memorial Contributions

4301 West Markham Street, Slot 816
Little Rock, AR  72205