Erath - A Mass of Christian Burial for Mr. Darnell E. Fontenot, 73, will be held at 2:00PM on Monday, January 16, 2012 at St. John Catholic Church in Henry. Father Manny Fernandez will celebrate the Mass. Concelebrant will be Father Joseph Stemmons. Visitation will be held at David Funeral Home of Erath on Sunday, January 15, 2012 from 3:00PM until 9:00PM with a recitation of the Rosary at 7:00PM. Visitation will resume on Monday from 8:00AM until just prior to service time. Interment will follow the services at Holy Family Cemetery in New Iberia. He passed away peacefully, on Friday, January 13, 2012 in Houston, TX, with his family close by his side. Born on February 17, 1938, Darnell was a native of Evangeline Parish and a longtime resident of Erath. He founded Gulf Coast Homes in 1974 and worked hard to make it the successful business that it is today. He worked as a cattle rancher for many years and was also currently serving as a board member of Teche Bank and Trust of St. Martinville. He also served many years on the Louisiana Manufactured Housing Association Board in Baton Rouge. Mr. Fontenot proudly served his country in the Louisiana National Guard in the early 1960s. He had many hobbies, including hunting, fishing, watching western movies, and was an avid sports fan. He especially enjoyed watching football, his two favorite teams being the New Orleans Saints and the LSU Fighting Tigers. His happiest times were spent surrounded by his family, to whom he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a hard-working, yet fun-loving, man who leaves behind a multitude of friends and family members who will sadly miss him. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, the former Jeanette Migues; two daughters, Marie Suire and Lori Toups; son-in-law, Pervis Suire; grandchildren, Damien and Valerie Duhon, Justin and Megan Toups, Scott Toups, Leah Duhon, and Courtney Duhon; two great-grandchildren, Grayson Duhon and Colt Toups; and his brother, Michael Fontenot and wife Brenda of Eunice; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Habie and Mabel Fontenot; his brother Dale Fontenot; and his daughter, Joni Elizabeth Fontenot. Pallbearers will be Damien Duhon, Justin Toups, Scott Toups, Steve Fontenot, Jesse Morales III, and Jeffrey Hulin. Readings will be given by his two granddaughters, Leah and Courtney Duhon and gift bearers will be Valerie Duhon and Megan Toups. Donations may be made in his name to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Ste. 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. David Funeral Home of Erath at 209 E. Putnam Street, (337) 937-0405, is in charge of arrangements.
