Michael Alan "Hoss" Fontenot

He is survived by mother Joyce Fontenot; son Orrin Fontenot Sr., wife Gabriel, with grandsons Orrin Michael Jr., Charles Dean and Calvin Augustus; and son Tyler Alan and wife Bridget; as well as a large extended, loving and devoted family.

Fontenot, a resident of St. Francisville, was born on Nov. 20, 1964, to Joyce Fontenot. He was preceded in death by grandparents Claude Fontenot and Stella Deshotel Fontenot; uncle Dean Soileau; and aunt Patricia Vidrine.

As his nickname suggests, Hoss was a gentle giant of a man, extremely loyal, and patient to a fault, a few might call it stubborn. He had a deep love for his sons and grandsons, and was incredibly devoted to his extended family. His immediate family was his world, especially when it came to hunting, fishing or hanging out at the park watching his grandsons on their scooters. Hoss, as he was lovingly referred to by anyone who knew him, was a man who exuded love, joy, patience, goodness, faithfulness and, most of all, a peace with God. An avid sportsman and talented carpenter, nature was his love language. Finding beauty in its rawest form, he spent his life appreciating the simple beauty in the arch of a tree branch or the way a breeze drifted through a green pasture. He had an extraordinary gift at taking simple moments and turning them into cherished memories. He’d argue the best naps were often taken in a deer stand. It wasn’t about the hunt, it was the pure joy of sitting in the stillness of God’s creation.

Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., Baton Rouge on Thursday, Dec. 29 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., with a service at 11 a.m. There will be a graveside service at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ville Platte, Thursday, Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. Pallbearers are Orrin Michael Fontenot Sr., Tyler Alan Fontenot, Bruce Smith, Quint Ortego, Donald Soileau, Kevin Vidrine, Carl Vidrine and Troy Vidrine.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To view and sign the online guestbook, please visit www.rabenhorst.com.