John Batest Fonteno Jr.

Fonteno, John Batest Jr.
"J.B." was born New Year's Day, 1923, in San Antonio, TX, to John Batest Fonteno, Sr. and Leah Verette, with his wife at his side, he wheeled and dealed in the auto industry for 49 years, starting with a repair shop in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood of L.A., J.B. sold the first Austin Mini Cooper on the Pacific Coast in the early '60s, and over the course of the next 38 years, his family business held franchises at various times for MG/Austin Healy, Fiat, Volvo, Buick and Pontiac/GMC. J.B. built the family's Montecito Heights home, which they inhabited for 42 years, himself. As a member of the Sycamore Park Foursquare Church for 55 years, J.B. served faithfully as an usher and on the church council. Those who knew him know the secret of his success lay in optimism, confidence in himself and others, his faith in God and the ever-present twinkle in his eyes. The patriarch of a tight-knit family, J.B. is survived by his loving wife, Betty Vawter Fonteno; daughters Sheryl Patton, Joyce Johnson and Janice Kolodinski; 11 grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one brother, Woodrow Fonteno. He also leaves behind many more folks whose lives he touched through kindness, patience and his abiding sense of humor. Graveside services to be held at Forest Lawn, Covina Hills. Memorial at Glenkirk Presbyterian in Glendora, CA on Wed., July 6, 2005.