GERALD L. FONTENOT

VILLE PLATTE - Funeral services were held at a 2:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Ville Platte on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 for Gerald L. Fontenot, 89, who passed away on Monday, April 2, 2018 in Ville Platte surrounded by his loved ones.
Father Tom Voorhies, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, was celebrant of the mass and conducted the funeral services.
Entombment took place in the Sacred Heart Mausoleum in Ville Platte.
Gerald Fontenot was born on October 2, 1928 to Luke and Eldie Shuff Fontenot. A lifelong resident of Ville Platte, he was very active in his community. Gerald was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and served as Colonel Cotton and Parade Marshall for the Cotton Festival. In 1999 he was chosen as Ville Platte’s Man of the Year. He had a great love for horses and was a past member of the American Quarter Horse Association. Gerald was Tournoi Champion in 1968 and was very involved in the Tournoi Association. He proudly served as a long-time member of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Posse; a mounted horseman group that assisted the Sheriff with search and rescue operations. Gerald loved serving his community and he loved his culture. He planned the first Twinning or cultural exchange program that allowed residents of Ville Platte and Belgium to visit each other’s country to share ways of life. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his loving wife, of 69 years, Verna Guillory Fontenot; son, Collins Fontenot; grandchildren, Amy Fontenot, Jimmy Fontenot, Kelly Bellard, and Katie Vidrine; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Norman Glen Fontenot; and sister, Jolene Fontenot Tate and husband, Bob.
He is preceded in death by his parents; Luke and Eldie Shuff Fontenot; brother, Perry Fontenot; and sister, Vera Lee Fontenot Guillory.
The family requested that visitation be observed at Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. A rosary was recited by Father Tom Vorohies at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday. Visitation continued Wednesday, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Personal condolences may be sent to the Fontenot family at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com
Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements.