John Earl Fontenot Jr.

November 2, 1924 - August 26, 2015
GRAND PRAIRIE - Funeral services were held for John Earl Fontenot Jr., 90, of Grand Prairie, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Grand Prairie at 1 p.m., Friday, August 28. Burial followed in the church cemetery.
A loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, Mr. Fontenot died Wednesday, August 26, 2015, at his residence.
Mr. Fontenot graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1941 and entered LSU majoring in agriculture engineering as part of the ROTC program. The Japanese invasion on Pearl Harbor changed his plans and he was called to serve in the United States Army as part of the Allied invasion of Europe. His service included time in the United States Infantry and as a French interpreter along the Siegfried Line in Belgium. He was discharged from the United States Army in April 1945 and he returned to LSU. Obligations to the family farm called him back home, where he began his career as a third generation farmer and earned the nickname “The Potato Man.”
He spent his entire career making invaluable contributions to the agricultural industry and the community. During his 70 years of farming, he received many honors and awards from local, state and national agricultural and civic organizations. “The Potato Man” was recognized by the Sweet Potato Association, Yambilee Association, Farmer Bureau Advisory Board, Cattleman’s Association, Ville Platte Chamber of Commerce and the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Posse-St. Jude Trail Ride. He also served on the Evangeline Parish Soil and Water Conservation Board for 47 years. He strongly believed in agriculture research and supported LSU and Soil Conservations Services. He also showed support to the cattle industry by holding Cattleman’s Field Day and other farm-related events.
He was a hardworking man, as well as a devoted Catholic. He served on the St. Peter’s Church Council for many years. His loyalty and dedication to his faith, his country, his community and to the agricultural industry will be remembered for many years to come.
Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Earline Soileau Fontenot of Grand Prairie; four sons, Lonnie Fontenot and his wife, Denise, of Ville Platte, Larry Fontenot and his wife, Jan, and Dennis Fontenot and his wife, Jan, all of Grand Prairie, and John Fontenot III and his wife, Connie, of Opelousas; three daughters, Linda Deville and her husband, Stefan, and Laura Fontenot and her husband, Jerry, all of Grand Prairie, and Lorraine Loup and her husband, Harrell, of Baton Rouge. Also left behind to cherish his memories are his 19 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr. and Edith Doucet Fontenot; two brothers, Flornoy Fontenot and Billy Fontenot; and one sister, Jackie Fontenot.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Foundation or St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
Father Richard Vidrine officiated.
Family and friends may view the online obituary and/or send words of comfort to the Fontenot family at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.
Ardoin’s Funeral Home of Ville Platte was in charge of arrangements.