Rev. Franklin E. Fondel Sr.

Reverend Franklin Edwin Fondel, Sr. was born at 9:00 a.m. on February 22, 1934, along with his twin sister Francese Fondel, to proud parents, Rosa Beatrice (Williams) Fondel and David James Fondel, Sr. in Lake Charles, LA.
Reverend Fondel was called from his earthly labor to heavenly reward at 7:40 p.m. on February 13, 2025, at Landmark Nursing Home.
On September 1, 1968, Reverend Fondel and Stella Louise Wilkins were united in holy matrimony. Two sons were born to this union: Franklin E. Fondel, Jr. and Adrian G. Fondel. Their union lasted 56 years.
Reverend Fondel was a 1954 W.O. Boston High School graduate in Lake Charles, LA.
Following his graduation from high school in 1954, a few Blacks tried to enroll in McNeese State College, only to be turned away. After successful litigation led by the young attorney Thurgood Marshall, the students were eventually allowed to enroll.
Reverend Fondel attended Fitch School of Floral Design in Houston, TX. He returned home to establish a part of one of the most rapidly growing enterprises in Lake Charles, Fondel's Flower Shop, which he founded in 1962 and operated out of the family home on North Enterprise Boulevard. Eventually, Fondel's Flower Shop relocated to North Lyons Street, where it remained inside Fondel Memorial Chapel until his health failed him in 2017.
In addition to being a successful businessman, Reverend Fondel was ordained as a licensed minister in 1962 and pastored the Macedonia Baptist Church in Sulphur, Louisiana from 1970-2000, and was President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance from 2001-2004.
Reverend Fondel discovered his love and passion for music at a very young age. This was no surprise, as his mother was his music teacher and mentor. At age six, he began playing the piano in church.
He grew into a well-trained pianist and organist and managed the Fondel Gospel Singers, which had two recordings under the "Cross & Crown" label in Nashville, TN. The group was the first in this genre from Lake Charles to record and gain fame and notoriety.
For three years, he played at Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend N.P. Jones, Pastor.
For 65 years, Reverend Fondel was minister of music for the Mt. Calvary Senior Male Chorus, organized by Brother Herman Senegar, under the administration of the late Reverend D.J. Jones and later under the administration of the late Reverend Horace Allison. For 50 years, Reverend Fondel directed the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Junior Choir and Mass Choir.
For several years, Reverend Fondel could be heard each Sunday morning on his gospel radio program, hosted by the local radio station KAOK. His love and passion for gospel music never diminished, as he could often be found listening to and even playing gospel music until his final days.
In addition to being a loving husband and father, successful businessman, accomplished musician, and dedicated servant of Christ, Reverend Fondel served his community as a representative on the Lake Charles Housing Authority Board for 12 years, from 1993-2005.
Reverend Fondel is preceded in death by his parents, David Sr. and Rosa, five brothers, John D. Fondel, James (J.C.) Fondel, Marion Fondel, David J. Fondel II, and Raymond M. Fondel Sr.; twin sister Francese Fondel Gordon, sister Mary Ellen (Antoine) Semien; and godchild Eddie Lee Leviege, Jr.
Reverend Fondel leaves to cherish his sweet memories: his wife, Stella Louise Fondel; two sons, Franklin E. Fondel, Jr. and Adrian G. Fondel; granddaughter, Alexis Fondel; one brother, George Fondel; godchild Deborah Doshier; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Reverend Fondel's life and legacy will be celebrated on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church at 300 North Blake Street in Lake Charles. Visitation will occur from 9 to 11 a.m., with the services to follow immediately. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park.