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KARL FONTENOT Obituary
KARL J. FONTENOT, JR.
Beloved husband for 64 years to Marion, on November 25, 2016. Loving father to Keith Fontenot and his wife, Maite, of McLean, VA and Kenneth Fontenot and his wife, Teresa of West Chester, PA; proud and adoring grandfather to David and Daniel Fontenot of McLean and step-grandfather to Kristin Kunkle of West Chester. Born in Ville Platte, Louisiana, he attended Louisiana State University, joined the Marine Corps and retired after 24 years with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He served his country with honor and distinction in Korea and Vietnam, where he commanded the 3rd Tank Battalion in 1968. After retiring from the Marine Corps in 1974, Karl became a financial administrator at Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth, VA, where he served for 15 years. For the past 10 years he has resided in McLean, and proudly attended the grandsons' every basketball, soccer, baseball, or football game, band performance and any other event in which they participated. Whether in service to our nation, our health care system, or his family, he was the living embodiment of the Marine Corps motto, "Semper Fidelis", and all the virtues it implies. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Contributions may be made in support of the USMC museum, and designated in memory of LtCol Karl Fontenot. https://marineheritage.secure-donor.com/donate?source=F11110 or by calling 703-640-1002.
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Memories and Condolences
for KARL FONTENOT
3 Entries
James Ledford
December 12, 2020
In 1968 I was an ammo tech for Alpha Company, 3rd Tank Battalion. Normally, a corporal doesn't interact with his battalion commander, however, Col. Fontenot led from the front. I originally met him when finishing an ammo run to Con Thien, as usual, under enemy fire. When I got to the next position, a Marine stopped me and said the colonel wanted to see me. I wondered what I had done and drove my truck up to where he was. He had been following my whole run with his binoculars and as soon as I stopped, he opened my driver's door and shook my hand. He complimented me, saying the ammo run was "magnificent!". That never happened to me before or since. Later on during the siege of Khe Sahn, when the enemy cut Quang Tri off from Dong Ha, where I was, and blew up his ammo dump, he radioed me. He told me what happened and made me, a corporal, battalion ammo officer for several weeks until things could get back to normal. I worked 24/7 to send out ammo to our tanks at Khe Sanh. He trusted me and inspired me to do anything for him. He did the same with everyone and our Marines loved and respected him. He was our commander but seemed like a father to us.
James Ledford
January 11, 2017
I knew LtCol. Fontenot as our Battalion Commander at Dong Ha. Even though I was a Sergeant, circumstances had us working together several times on a personal basis. I respect him and admire him. God bless him. -- Sergeant James M. Ledford
Dutch
December 18, 2016
A MARINE COMES HOME...
Few earn the Title, "United States Marine"...
Once earned, they are a "Marine Forever"...
When they die their Honor Clean, they appear before Heavens Gates and see two signs, Eternal Peace, and Marines....
The Marine follows a path to a Quonset Hut, knocks three times and enters...
Inside, he is Greeted by two Marines, Colonel Lewis B. Puller and Sergeant Major Dan Daly..
The SgtMaj., hands the Marine a Quill Pen and Bottle of Red Black ink...
The Marine signs his name to the Duty Roster, after which his Heavenly Robes Fade, replaced by Standard Marine Corps Issue...
The Marine Smiles and does a right face out the Hatch to the Yellow Footprints to Muster as The USMC Old Glory Division...
The Colonels purpose is clear, to fight The forces of Evil for all Eternity under the Command of The ultimate Commander-In-Chief, GOD ALMIGHTY...
"By The Grace Of God,
And a few Marines,
It's Good To Be Home"...
Semper Fidelis, Colonel...
Dutch.......
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