Robert L. "Bob" Fontenot Jr.

Jeanerette- Funeral services will be held for Robert L. Fontenot Jr., age 83, on Friday May 20, 2016 at 10:00am at David Funeral Home of Jeanerette with Fr. Jody Simoneaux to serve as the Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery.  Visitation will be held at David Funeral Home of Jeanerette on Thursday May 19, 2016 from 5:00pm until 9:00pm with a recitation of the Rosary at 6:00pm. Visitation will continue on Friday from 8:00am until service time.  A native of Lawtell, La. and resident of Jeanerette, “Bob” as he was affectionately known passed away on Tuesday May 17, 2016 at 10:15am at a Breaux Bridge Nursing Facility. Bob had a long and varied work career.  As a young boy he delivered papers for The Daily World in Opelousas.  Then during high school he worked part-time for various companies while being a star football player at A.I.C.  Upon Graduation he joined the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and was stationed on the U.S.S. Albany.  After serving his country he was honorable discharged and moved to Jeanerette and became employed at Columbian Carbon from which he retired.  While employed at Columbian Carbon he owned and operated Bob’s Car Wash #1 and #2 and later opened Bob’s Grocery & Liquor.  He also operated a school bus for the Iberia Parish School Board from which he also retired.  He was affectionately called “Mr. Bob” by the students who liked and respected him.  Bob also coached Little League softball for many years and also served as a city councilman for four years.  His many talents included fixing cars, making knives, carpentry, and totally remodeling and refurbishing antique cars.  Bob’s greatest joys in life were his children and grandchildren, all who made him very proud. He will be missed by all.  Robert is survived by his sons, Robert L. Fontenot III and his wife Dixie of Gulfport, MS, André Fontenot and wife Kay of Sugarland, TX, and Jason Fontenot of Jeanerette.  He is also survived by grandchildren Lauren, Drew, Brandon, and Mia Fontenot.  Survivors also include his sister Shirley Fahrlander of Richardson, TX; half sister, Gail Joubert; and half brothers, Francis and Danny Fontenot.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Vivian Mendoza Fontenot Derise; father, Robert L. Fontenot Sr., brother, Gene Fontenot; and step-father, Alec “Tut” Derise.  Upholding the honor of Pallbearers are Robert, III, André, and Jason Fontenot, Bob Legnon, John Smietana, and Dr. Bud Guilbeau.  The family wishes to thank St. Agnes Nursing Home and staff for the outstanding quality of care their father received.  Family and friends wishing to express condolences can sign the online guestbook. David Funeral Home of Jeanerette, 400 Provost St. (337)276-5151 is in charge of arrangements.