Today October 13th, marks the one month of your passing.  it also marks the 101 anniversary of the visit of Our Lady of Fatima.  The 13th of the month will, to me, be a blessed day and a reminder that Our Blessed Mother, heard your prayers, and wrapped you in her mantle to present you to God most high! May she do the same for all of our family both living and deceased.

I have been struggling with what to write. They are just so many memories....I'll begin at the first memory (well my mom's memory because I was too young): She started working for him over 40 years ago as an Assembly Center usher, and because she had no means to pay for someone to watch me, he told her she could bring me. I know that meant everything to her.  Once I was old enough, he let me hand out flashlights.  I remember catfish fries at our house-fun and great friendships. I remember playing spite and malice with a lot of laughter, even when he was beating us! Loved hearing about all the dancing y’all did-sounded like so much fun.  When he married Gwen, she became part of our family, as if it had always been that way.   Once I had my own family, they were always treated with love and kindness.  I remember when we came for visits, they always opened their home to us.  He loved LSU sports, especially baseball, Geaux Tigers!  I remember hearing about all of the tailgates he and Gwen hosted and I wished I had been at one.  He did make the best jambalaya!  I could go on and on.  Cary was a great and gracious man, who we loved very much.  Gwen, we love you, and may God bring peace to you and your family.
Alais, Mark, Faith, And Mya

It is one thing to be a father.  Quite another to be a Dad.  It is easy to tell someone how to live, harder to show them by example.  To protect, and preserve ego, a parent can do everything for their children.  To prepare for life,  a loving and selfless parent teaches their child. allows them to fail, then opens their arms  to release them to the world - even as their heart cringes for their safety.  Cary Fontenot never took the easy road.  He embraced the challenge, the adventure, the joy, the risk, and the eventual reward of life.  He Lived, Fully, Every Moment of his Life.  Thank you, Dad.  Thank you for believing in me - that I can excel in whatever I choose to pursue.   Thank you for opening the world for me, and then your arms  as I  went to explore that world.  Thank you for opening those arms again, and you stove, when I returned home.  I miss you already, and know I have a HUGE, and mischievous,  Angel looking out for our family.  Love you bunches, with big hugs.  Oh, and thanks for the feather :).

With love, your baby girl.
Stephanie Fontenot Stengl

Gwen- so sorry to hear about Cary - enjoyed seeing the both of you at the Cactus cafe. We had such fun. Prayers for you & your family.  Susan Victoria Willis 9/17/2018


Mrs. Gwen, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.  ‎Julie Payment Welch‎ 
September 17 

One good thing about it. Vin Bruce got his Personal Body Guard up there now!!! (Can't see either with a set of wings though.) Now maybe with a guitar and a 'scrub board.' Yeah! Michael Heck 9/18

Oh dear Gwen. We are so sorry. Cary was a good man and we thank God we met him and you. Bless you with the Lord’s comfort. ‎Marianne E Fitzgerald‎ September 18 

In 1978 our MoMo Bertrand died two weeks after Daddy died, making us co inheritors of her estate with our uncle.

So began the division.  One of the things Cary picked was an OLD rug!! Lenora and I rolled our eyes and hoped his choices would get better. And they did. And we forgot about the rug.

Forward about five years.  Cary found an old Godchaux box, put the rug in it, wrapped the box beautifully (He may have had some help.), made a speech about the tough times Lorraine had gone through medically and gave her the "gift." We laughed until we hurt, and thus began the saga of the rug.

You guessed it. A few years later Lorraine passed it to Lenora; then Lenora to Cary, and each time, all of us were present to witness the fun.

Then it stopped.  Seven years ago Willie and I moved from Eunice, and we received several housewarming gifts.. .therefore, when and Cary and Gwen walked in carrying this beautifully wrapped gift (clearly not in an old Godchaux box) I was thrilled that they had thought of us.

So I opened it! You may have guessed by now. It was the RUG! Encased in a very nice wooden frame!  Gwen said that Cary had placed it in the frame himself.

My response: JOY! I had never received the rug until now. And I declared that it had found a permanent home. It has become a family legacy, and since it was originally Cary's, I think it should be passed to one of his grandchildren (when I'm ready), and that will be Katie,

Lenora and I had rolled our eyes when Cary chose this old rug, but it turned out to be the item that gave us so much fun!

I could tell more stories, but this was one of my favorites. God bless you, Cary.

As a student with no financial resources and a single parent in the early 80s, I approached Cary for a recommendation for a job at LSU.  He said "go no further, I'll hire you".  I told him I had a daughter and I couldn't afford a babysitter so I couldn't work at the Assembly Center.  He said "bring her with you" and we'll have her stay in the "green room" while you work.    I signed on as an usher and worked for Cary for years while I finished my education.  When my daughter was old enough, he put her to work as well handing out flashlights to the ushers at concerts and events.  When I married, he hired my husband as security.  This continued even after I graduated and my daughter started college at LSU.  He literally saved my life!  I don't know what I would have done without his help and encouragement.
We spent many years as friends and he beat me many times at cards.  We visited both he and Gwen and I count them both as the best people I know.  I will miss him greatly.  Hang in there Gwen, we are still there for you.  
Mike, Deni & Alais

So blessed to have PaPa in my life and the life of our entire family.  He truly loved all and accepted all into his family - he was a true servant and loved to share his gift of cooking with others!  You blessed us so many times - we are eternally grateful for ALL you did for us!

Love you!

Nannie

So very sorry for your loss. What an amazing man and lover of LSU sports. He will be terribly missed, but never forgotten. Especially by my son Brad Boudreaux. Mr. Cary holds a special place in our hearts. Rest in piece sweet man,  sending thoughts and prayers to all of you! Lisa Tanory Boudreaux 9/17/2018

I met Carey back in 1984 when I dated one of his boys from the assembly center. Last night was a true celebration of his life and I am so glad I was there. My prayers to you, Aunt Gwen and the whole family. Yall have so many wonderful memories to share for many years. Karla Sibille Coutard 9/17/2018


We are burying my #2 today... 

It is a day to rejoice! He suffered so much during these last few years but more so during these last 2 months. 

Last night, We heard testimonies from family Stephanie and  Randy, Katie and Chavanne Mae.  The stories from their childhood and the example that he lead by to work hard, play hard and give plenty. From Corey Orgeron we heard of the many 100's of boys he helped to put through college, by working for him at the LSU Assembly Center.  Fr. Jeff Bayhi called him "Coach" the boys he coached at St. Aloysius, and American Legion.  He shared the time Cary came and talked to Rusty's St. Aloysius classmates the day after his funeral. He talked about freedom and slavery. In his own grief, he comforted them.
We also heard of  the pots of Jambalaya he cooked for relatives and friends.  The countless tailgates he served and the businesses he never charged, the children he and Gwen taught cajun dancing, as well as, the nursing homes they danced at in Louisiana and abroad.  We also heard from Chip Landry his supervisor of the EBR Sherriff Traffic Division and his service to his community as 36 years retired Sherriff Deputy reserve often serving 70 to 80 hours of volunteer service.  That was 50 to 60 hours more than what was required. 

Although I was born on this day several moons ago, His mass and burial celebrating him waltzing into heaven to the fiddle playing of Bill Grass and Jesse Brown singing Jolie Bland is the best way to celebrate a joyous reunion of his family and friends who proceeded him there while we on earth pay tribute to his life.... 

"Jolie Blonde" Pop's, 
Love #2
PS.  Don't forget the Pork Pate'
9/17/18

So sad to say goodbye to my Paw Paw. He lived such a great life and was the greatest grandfather! Bitter sweet to see him go as we will all miss him terribly but I’m glad he  is no longer in pain. See you in Heaven one day Paw Paw. Katie Fontenot Wilbanks. 9/17/2018

Gwen I’m so sorry for your loss. Cary was a great friend to me for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God be with you. Amen Karen Register McLean 9/17/2018

It’s all about preparation!   HOT BOUDIN! Cold Coosh Coosh!  Come on Tigers!!! POOSH POOSH POOSH!

 Dedicating today’s game to an old friend and ultimate tailgater Cary Fontenot (Gwen Fontenot) who will be watching his first game from heaven today and cooking up some jambalaya to the Good Lord I’m sure.  Prayers to the family.  

 Geaux Tigers !   Beat Auburn! Christopher Agostinelli  9/15/2018

We bid adieu to my boss, friend, mentor, confidant, cook, medic, and second dad.  He was the best two wheeled fork lift driving, jambalaya cooking, crew pushing, Cajun dancing, grand baby loving, Tiger Baseball fanatic, shirt off his back giving son of gun God ever graced this Earth with.  

 I worked under his tutelage for seven years getting paid to watch the biggest concerts and the greatest basketball games of the 80's.  Because of this man, I learned that duct tape will fix EVERYTHING, hot sauce goes with everything, every man puts his pants on one leg at a time, and that if you break a finger a good kick to the shin will get you over the pain.  

 Because of this man I paid tuition and had a little beer money left over, all due to the work he often created for me around the PMAC.  The best part is that I was not alone.  While at LSU, Cary was this important to hundreds of young men.  Many bosses demand respect from their employees, Cary merely earned it.

 Today, we toasted Fred the only fitting way we could --- shots of George Dickle 15 year old mash straight from Tennessee. We left two shots in the bottle for you boss, just in case St. Peter needs reminding of who it is he is greeting at the Pearly Gates.

 God Rest your soul mes amie, until we meet again! Corey Orgeron 9/17/2018

The obituary for a very special person. He always brought life into the room and cooked the best jambalaya I’ve ever had. I remember when he and my Aunt Gwen were engaged and I could see how in love they were. We will miss you Uncle Cary. Alicia Friday 9/17/18 

OBITUARY

Cary G. Fontenot

Passed away on SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

Greenoaks Funeral Home & Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services