February 19, 1929 - August 23, 2021
Claude Adam Fontenot was born February 19, 1929, in Welsh, Louisiana, the son of the late Alcin Fontenot and Anna Israel Fontenot. He passed from this life on August 23, 2021, at the age of 92, in his home surrounded by his and Betty’s children. After a time of illness, his family is so grateful that he is now healed by the Great Physician.
Claude attended schools in Welsh and completed his senior year of high school in Bell City. He briefly attended McNeese State University and later received his Bachelor of Arts degree at Louisiana College. He married the love of his life, Betty Jean Foreman, on June 7, 1947. They welcomed five children: Glenda, Ellen, Steve, Claudia and Jenny. He gave his life to Christ in his early twenties and faithfully served as pastor at Centerville Baptist Church, Centerville, LA; Oberlin Baptist Church, Oberlin, LA; Kaplan Baptist Church, Kaplan, LA; First Baptist Church, Golden Meadow, LA; Trinity Baptist Church, New Iberia, LA; and First Baptist Church, Rayne, LA. Claude served many interim pastorates after retirement, including First Baptist Church of Welsh. He was passionate about his pastoral role as shepherd, proclaiming the Gospel, and welcoming folks who were oftentimes shunned by society. When asked by a person of color if she would truly be accepted into the church, Claude responded, “Well, we’re about to find out, because if they don’t accept you, then they don’t accept me.”
Claude was known by his family for his kindness, affection, humor, mischief, athleticism, hunting and fishing, and love of good stories and music.
Claude is predeceased by his wife of 73 years, Betty Jean Foreman Fontenot; his parents; his siblings William G. Fontenot (wife Mary Louise Bryant Fontenot); Georgianna Fontenot Moore (husband Felix); Virginia Fontenot Adams Comley; George Fontenot; Effie Fontenot Hubbard (husband Bill); and his daughter-in-law, Barbara (Babs) Tooke Fontenot.
He is survived by his daughter Glenda Fontenot (Pat Neff Hardesty) of Bellaire, TX; daughter Ellen Fontenot (Rick Leidal) of Castle Rock, CO: grandson Monte McCune (Jordan): Ashton and Saryn; grandson Jason Leidal; son Steve Fontenot (Kristi) of Castle Rock, CO: grandson Brad Fontenot (Kari): Mikayla, Kaitlyn, Alex, Caleb, and Abby; grandson Josh Stanley: Aiko; granddaughter Christie Fontenot Parker (Nathan): Noah, Clara and Claude; granddaughter Jenn Stanley Hawkins (Cody): Pepper, Holton and Brecklee; grandson John Claude Fontenot (Mandy): Wyatt and Amelie; grandson Joel Stanley: Charis, Kalyn and Josh; grandson Jesse Stanley; grandson Jon Stanley (Katie): Lennon; grandson Jordan Stanley (Heather): Tristan and Arlo; grandson Jared Stanley (Julia): Fynn and Talyn; granddaughter Joy Stanley: Afton and Cohen; grandson J Austin Stanley (Mitch Clough); granddaughter Julee Stanley; and granddaughter Jensyn Stanley; daughter Claudia Fontenot (Jimmy Olander) of Franklin, TN: grandsons Max and Tank Olander; and daughter Jenny Fontenot Howell of Shreveport, LA: granddaughter Anna Howell.
Claude is also survived by sister-in-law Shirley Sue Foreman Goss (Shirley Ross); brother-in-law Floyd Edward Foreman (Judy); and sister-in-law Linda Faye Foreman Guidry (the late Larry Guidry); and a host of adored nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Viewing will be held at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh on Thursday, August 26, from 5:00 until 8:00 pm. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the family will not be present for the public viewing. A private service for immediate family will be held at a later date, with Bro. Pat Deshotel officiating. Burial will be at a later date at Pine Hill Cemetery. Service flowers are designed by daughter-in-law Kristi Fontenot. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com. Request a recording of the funeral service at [email protected].
The family would like to express their gratitude for the extraordinary care of the doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Memorial Hospital of Lake Charles, especially Dr. Mark LaFuria; the staffs of Elara Caring; Rosewood Rehab; and Brighton Bridge Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his and Betty’s beloved church: First Baptist Church of Welsh (Claude Fontenot Memorial), 500 S. Adams Street, Welsh, LA 70591.
