Ville Platte eye doctor, councilman Fontenot passes away at age 80

By: RAYMOND PARTSCH III
Managing Editor

The city of Ville Platte has lost one of its most beloved and respected community figures.
Dr. Joseph Sidney “J.S.” Fontenot passed away at the age of 80 at his residence in Ville Platte early Tuesday morning. The visitation service for the well-known eye doctor and past city councilman will be held Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and again on Friday between 8 a.m. and noon, with both times at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The funeral service, which will be officiated by Father Tom Voorhies, will be held at the church starting at noon on Friday. Burial will follow inside the Sacred Heart Mausoleum.
“Dr. J.S. was a very personable, sociable and loving man,” Dr. Fontenot’s wife of 49-and-half years Lola Morein Fontenot said. “He was a very dedicated husband and father. He always saw the good and positive in people and he never met a stranger.”
After graduating from Ville Platte High in 1952, Fontenot went on to Port Arthur College in Port Arthur, Texas to obtain a degree in radio broadcasting. He returned home to Ville Platte and worked as an engineer and announcer for KVPI from 1953-54. Fontenot returned to school after his stint in broadcasting and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in science from what is now known as University of Louisiana-Lafayette. He would then go on to earn his doctorate in optometry in 1959 from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee.
After serving two years in the United States Navy from 1959-61, Fontenot returned home and opened up his practice in 1962, Fontenot Family Eye Practice in Ville Platte.
Lea Campbell, a patient of Dr. Fontenot’s for more than 15 years, talked about what he meant to his patients.
“I can’t say enough positive things about Dr. J.S. Fontenot,” Campbell said. “He was pleasant and courteous. He had an excellent, warm manner. I am ever so grateful to have known him. He was one of those people who always had some new or ingenious way of putting a smile on your face. He was always smiling and made me feel comfortable every time I went in to see him for an eye exam. It breaks my heart to say goodbye far too soon to a friend and family doctor.”
In addition to his practice and his 20 years serving on the Ville Platte City Council, Fontentot was involved in many different professional organizations, including the American Optometric Association, but was known more for his involvement with multiple local organizations. He was a member of the Ville Platte Lions Club for 53 years, including being named the 1972 Ville Platte Man of the Year, was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce. Fontenot was also a charter member of both the Ville Platte Jaycees and the Evangeline Parish Chapter of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana.
Fontenot also served as president of the Ville Platte Cotton Festival Association and on the board of the Ville Platte Golf and Country Club. He was also an avid hunter, fisherman, golfer and sports enthusiast.
In addition to his wife, Fontenot leaves behind three daughters, Agatha Fontenot Mayeaux and Marla Fontenot Bourque and her husband, Gary Troy, all of Youngsville, and Danica Fontenot New and her husband, Brian Charles, of Breaux Bridge. Also left behind are his two grandchildren, Courtney Nicole and Ethan Joseph New; and one step-grandchild, Camille Claire Bourque.
For those interested in honoring Dr. Fontenot, donations can be made to the Sacred Heart Foundation or charity of the donor’s choice in honor of Fontenot.