Gilbert Fontenot

Gilbert Fontenot, 75, of Groves passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2008, at Renaissance Hospital in Groves. Gilbert was born on December 23, 1932, in Eunice, Louisiana to Inez Manuel Fontenot and Tony Fontenot. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson in 1952 and then enlisted in the National Guard where he served for five years. He then enlisted in the United States Army until he retired in 1975 as Sergeant First Class E-7. He then moved back to the Golden Triangle Area and has resided here ever since. During his time here, Gilbert worked at Gulf Oil for sixteen years until his retirement in 1992. He was a jack of all trades; he loved Cajun music and was a member of the Golden Triangle Cajun French Music Association; he also enjoyed photography and computers. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Pearl Perot and Bertha Bourgeois. Gilbert was survived by his wife, Jean Fontenot of Groves; sons, Richard Fontenot and wife Kathy of Nederland and Sidney Fontenot of Beaumont; step-children, Bryan Bell of California, Darren Bell and Jeffrey Bell both of Port Arthur, Kathy Bell, Louise Townsend and Patty Duran all of San Angelo, Texas; brother, Dale Fontenot of Groves; sister, Lovey Barron of Nederland; numerous grandchildren, step grandchildren; great grandchildren, step great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Gilbert is also survived by his first wife and mother of his two children, Bessie Mae Fontenot of Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:00 a.m. Friday, December 19, 2008, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Port Arthur with Father Stephen McCrate serving as the Celebrant. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont. A gathering of friends and family will take place from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday, December 18, 2008, at Grammier-Oberle Funeral Home in Port Arthur with a Rosary to be recited at 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. For those unable to attend services you may sign the Guest Book at www.mem.com.