Robert Fenelon Sr.

Robert Jules Fenelon, Sr.

BAKER - Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Saturday, November 19, 2011, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, for Robert Jules Fenelon, Sr., 89, who died at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at his residence.

Interment will be in Green Oaks Memorial Park. Rev. Thomas Clark, SJ will officiate the services.

Robert was a native of Opelousas and a resident of Baker. He is served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Robert graduate from St. Landry High School in Opelousas, attended Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and in 1947, received a degree in Mortuary Science from Simmons School of Embalming and Mortuary Science in Syracuse, New York.

Robert began in 49-year career in Mortuary Science at Scott's Bluff Morticians in Scotlandville, Louisiana where he worked for 13 years. In 1960, he established Fenelon Funeral Home in Opelousas, Louisiana where he was owner and manager. Robert had a very special care in dealing with his clients and was noted as one of the finest restorative artists in the funeral industry. Robert retired from the funeral business in 1996, sold Fenelon Funeral Home, and moved to Baker, Louisiana.

Robert was actively involved in numerous civic and professional affiliations. Some of his prior accomplishments included: member of the St. Landry Parish School Board, the Opelousas Chamber of Commerce, and the Council on Aging; member of the Financial Board of the Diocese of Lafayette, charter member of the Holy Trinity Villa, Inc. in Opelousas; Gubernatorial appointment to the Louisiana State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers having served as president; past president of the International Conference of Funeral Service Examining Boards, Inc., having been the first African American to serve as president of the Conference; Board member of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association; member of Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity; board member of the First Acadiana National Bank; and Gubernatorial appointment to the Louisiana Tourist Commission. He received several honors, including Businessman of the Year from the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association and the Opelousas Mayor's Award, Citizen of the Year.

At the time of his death, Robert was affiliated with the Knights of Peter Claver, 3rd and 4td Degrees, lifetime member of the NAACP, National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Early Risers Kiwanis Club (past member), Men of Distinction and the Bonanza Social Club (Emeritus).

He is survived by his wife, Ann Richard Clark Fenelon; two daughters, Fay Fenelon Bryan (Denis) of Pelham, AL, and Margie Alyse Fenelon of Opelousas; two step-sons, Morris Richard Clark, Sr. (Shauna) of Pearland, Texas, and Scott Christopher Clark (Toronda) of Lake Ville, IL; three sisters-in-law, Barbara Lemelle Allen, Elizabeth R. Bellaire, and Dr. Dolores R. Spikes; seven grandchildren; and one great grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Jules Fenelon; a son, Robert Jules Fenelon, Jr.; and his former wives, Attorney Marsha McDonald Fenelon and Dolores Lemelle Fenelon.

Visiting hours will be held from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, send contributions to St. Vincent de Paul Society, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1565 Curtis St., Baton Rouge, LA 70807.

Scott's Bluff Morticians, (225)775-3440, is in charge of arrangements.