Roy James Fontenot, 83, died peacefully at his home on Dec. 28, 2022, in Lake Charles, La.
He was born July 25, 1939, to Maurice and Mary Fontenot, in Chatagnier, La. The family later moved to Fisherville in Lake Charles. Roy graduated from Washington High School, where he was an honor student and athlete. He later attended Grambling University, joined the U.S. Air Force, then built a career at Firestone Polymers in Lake Charles, where he worked for 54 years.
Roy was a pillar of strength, wisdom, and love for his family and dedicated his life to God. He was a devoted father, passionate about his children’s education (especially music training) and their athletic pursuits. He had a passion for weightlifting, and in his spare time, he was an avid reader. He enjoyed time with all of his relatives near and far.
He is survived by his wife, Jacquetta Pete Fontenot; children, Sherry Brooks, Karen Fontenot, Tamekia Fontenot Barnes (Eddie), David Fontenot, Terry Fontenot (Tanya), Janesia Fontenot Frank (Lance) and Michael Fontenot; sisters, Faye Gordon and Ella Mae Fontenot; 13 grandchildren (and one on the way); three great-grandsons; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cherished family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Juanita Roddy and Genevieve Lindsey, his niece, Cynthia Barker; and son-in-law, Don Brooks.
The funeral is on Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles. He will be laid to rest with Military Honors at Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Jennings, La. at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. until the start of the service. The family requests that attendees wear a mask due to the increase in confirmed cases of the flu and Covid.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net