Theophile Joseph Fontenot

Theophile Joseph Fontenot, 87, died Friday, January 7, 2011, in a Houston hospital.

Born in Chataignier, Louisiana to Crea and Nita Rozas Fontenot, Mr. Fontenot helped pioneer the offshore oil industry in various parts of the world working for McDermott International. He loved gardening and was a faithful member of South City Christian Church. Preceding him in death was his beloved son, Lionel "Lonnie" Fontenot.

Mr. Fontenot is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Ethel Lee Guillory Fontenot of Lake Charles; one son, Michael Fontenot of Houston, TX ; two daughters, Lynda Wilson and husband David of Houston and Patricia Fontenot of Lake Charles; three grandsons, Robert Guimbellot and wife, Lissa of Lubbock, Texas, John Kelly Guimbellot of New Orleans; and Ryan Fontenot Hardin of Lake Charles; and one granddaughter, Bernice Mandina of New Orleans.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, January 10, 2011, at South City Christian Church. Rev. Robby Bacon will officiate. Entombment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens Mausoleum under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, from 3 until 8 p.m. The visitation will resume at the church on Monday, January 10, from 11 a.m. until time of services.