William Bill Fontenot

William (Bill) T. Fontenot, 75, went to be with the Lord on May 5, 2014, after a long and courageous battle with multiple myeloma. Bill was born on April 6, 1939 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Paul and Mary Redden Fontenot. He was the eldest of five children. Faith, family, and friends had always been an important part of Bill's life and were evident to all who knew him.

After graduating from Baker High School, he served his country in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. Following basic training, he enrolled in Northeast Louisiana State College where he met and married his wife of 54 years, Donna Starr McClendon Fontenot. During the first years of marriage, he was a drummer for a jazz band, a Fred Astaire dance instructor, a real estate agent, and worked in finance. In 1975, he started working for Exxon which resulted in a move to Texas in 1979. While working for Exxon, Bill completed his undergraduate degree and obtained his Masters of Finance from University of Houston. Upon graduation, he was promoted in Exxon to Worldwide Quality Audit Leader and was an adjunct professor at the University of Houston, School of Finance. After retiring from Exxon in 2000, he continued to work as consulting auditor with various companies. He served his community as president and active member on multiple city governing bodies and local school boards. For over 30 years, he had been active golfer and participant in several golf organizations, serving on the Tri-State Senior Board and as president in 2011.

The United Methodist Church was formative in growing his faith and his love for God from childhood until the day the Lord called him home. He was an active church member in various capacities, as Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher (both youth and adults), Lay Leader, Staff Parish Leader, and Board Member.

He is survived by his wife, Starr Fontenot and his three sons and daughters-in-law, Ty and Gigi Fontenot, Keith and Traci Fontenot, Troy and Melissa Fontenot; ten grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; siblings Gale Coates, Doris Parker, Robert Fontenot, and Chuck Fontenot, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all those who offered prayers, encouragement, food, and visits. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Donna Weber and Tiffany Richards, Dr. James Bernick, Dr. Deepa Sashital, and to all the extensive medical support staff who cared for Bill during his 13 year battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9, 2014 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook St, Baytown, TX 77521. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 11:00 am at Cedar Bayou Grace United Methodist Church, 2714 Ferry Rd, Baytown, TX 77520. Interment will be held prior at 10:00 am at Cedar Bayou Methodist Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cedar Bayou Grace United Methodist Church (CBGUMC) designated for the building fund.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX 77521 (281) 422-8111.