A memorial service will be held for Rev. E. “Ben” Fant on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at North Highlands United Methodist Church. Visitation will be begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Officiating the service will be Rev. Joe Donakey. There will be a graveside service for the family at the Natchez City Cemetery on April 19, 2023.
Ben, 89, passed away on Dec. 17, 2022, from the effects of COPD and Parkinson’s Disease. He was born April 19, 1933, in Natchez, MS. His parents were Percy B Fant, Sr. an Annie Lou Liddell Fant.
Ben was raised in West Monroe, LA. He attended Crosley, Ouachita High School and received his B.A. at Northeast Louisiana College (ULM). He earned his Master’s Degree in Theology from Emory University (Candler School of Theology).
Rev. Fant served United Methodist Churches in Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, West Palm Beach and Jacksonville in Florida. He was the Pastor of Marion, Claiborne, Crew Lake, Morningside, Logansport, Wilhite, Reveille, Bird’s Chapel, Walker’s Chapel and Plain Dealing during his ministry in Louisiana.
He was truly blessed by the members of each congregation he served throughout his ministry. His fellow clergy friends touched his spirit in very special ways. His faith grew stronger year by year.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Percy Barney Fant, Jr. and Liddell Fant. He is survived by his devoted wife, Martha Thompson Fant; his sons, John Benjamin Fant (Paige), and Stephen Holton Fant (Karen); step-son, Paul Thompson Grube (Paulette); step-daughter, Elizabeth Hammons (Jeffrey); and his sister, Juanita Clements. He was so proud of his grandchildren, Lauren Fant and James Fant; and step-grandchildren, Nicole Reed and Brooke Drake.
Ben had many interests. He was especially fond of the Boston Red Sox baseball team, a family tradition. Golf was his favorite sport. He really enjoyed competing with fellow pastors during tournaments at annual conference. Just before he retired, he made a hole-in-one at the Plain Dealing course.
Ben was an avid reader, maintaining an ever-growing library. He also enjoyed recounting memories of his sons’ accomplishments playing softball and football. But the love of his family brought him the most joy!
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to North Highlands United Methodist Church, 835 Poleman Rd. Shreveport, LA 71107.
