Joseph Garland Fontenot

Joseph Garland Fontenot passed away at his home on November 21, 2014. He was born September 7, 1927, in Slagle, Louisiana to M.M. Fontenot and Mary Pearson. He came to Lufkin, Texas at 18 months of age when his father accepted a job with Lufkin Industries. He graduated from Lufkin High School in 1944 where he played football for Paul “Bear” Bryant. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and spent two years on an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific and Pearl Harbor until the war was over. When he was discharged in 1946, he enrolled at Texas A&M where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering, thus leading him to a long successful career with Chevron-Texaco. He and his wife Jackie lived in Venezuela and London during this time, and traveled to many other countries. He retired in 1983 and he and Jackie traveled for 28 years. The highlight of which was visiting the Holy Land twice. He had many interests and hobbies and he especially enjoyed flying his airplane, fishing for crappie, and playing on the USTA tennis team. Joe was quietly faithful and diligent to the Lord, his family, and his church. Joe is survived by his wife Jackie, son Steven of Conroe, and daughter Jill of Houston. Two sisters, Cole Weeks and Jane Horn and husband Jimmy of Lufkin. Sister in law Terri and husband Milton Swift of Montgomery, Texas. Funeral services will be officiated by Reverend Merle Blado and Reverend Cliff Herrington at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Conroe on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 with arrangements by Cashner Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Milton Swift, Ray Priest, Ellis Moses, Bill Boyett, Milton McGee, Ernie Harris, and Bill Morrison. Honorary pallbearers are Don Moore, Pat George, Charles Walker, and Ernest Coker. There will be a reception at the Church immediately following the service and burial will follow at Garden Park Cemetery, 801 Teas Road (FM3083) in Conroe. Visit our website to leave condolences to the family at www.cashnerconroe.com