Donald T-Don Fontenot

Donald J. "T-Don" Fontenot, 76, of Lake Charles, LA, had his final calling to heaven at 11:50 AM on Friday, January 27, 2012 in a local hospital, surrounded by his close family.

Mr. Fontenot was born April 27, 1935 in Beaver, LA to Marcelous and Marie Fontenot. He lived most of his life in Lake Charles and graduated from LaGrange High School in 1954, where he was honored as Athlete of the Year by leading his team to a winning season as Quarterback. He was also on the boxing team, where he won two state titles in 1953 and 1954. Mr. Fontenot attended McNeese State College on a football scholarship. Upon leaving college, he entered the U.S. Army, where he served his country from 1959-1961. During his Army stay, he played for the Army National Softball team as a pitcher and played all over the world. After the service, he opened the first Toyota dealership in Lake Charles and was the co-owner of Fontenot Marine with his brother Glenn for twenty-seven years. Mr. Fontenot also worked as a bailiff under Judge Quirk and then at the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office for a combined service of twenty years. T-Don cared deeply for his family and grandchildren. He also enjoyed fishing, working in his yard, making rice dressing on every holiday, and gumbo for Sunday football games.

Donald is survived by his devoted wife and soul mate of twenty-eight years, Elaine Cooper Fontenot; children, Deborah Newby of Houston, Romona Broussard of Lake Charles, and Dwayne Fontenot of Houston; step-children, Todd Perrodin of Fort Lauderdale, FL, David Perrodin and wife Mindy of Lake Charles, and Kim Perrodin of New Orleans; and grandchildren, Brittany, LeAnn, Christopher, and Lauren Perrodin, Alicia Newby, and John Martin Newby of Houston.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcelous and Marie Fontenot; brother, Glen "Joe" Fontenot; and sister, Glenda "Sissy" Fontenot.

His funeral service will be at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Reverend Alan Trouille will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM with a rosary at 6:30 PM and continue on Tuesday from 8:00 AM until the start of the service.