The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Bernard “ Ben “ Fontenot, Sr., 70, of Orange, passed away Saturday, Dec. 21, at The Oaks Nursing Facility in Beaumont.

Born June 24, 1943 in Orange, Aries (Guillory) Fontenot and Adam Fontenot, he was a lifelong resident of Orange. He was of the Catholic faith, and a member of the Eagles Club. He worked as a carpenter and cabinet maker, for H. K. Clark Custom Homes, Stout Homebuilders, and he owned and operated B. T. Fontenot’s Custom Cabinets in Orange. Ben will be remembered as a hard working man who enjoyed dancing, playing drums and the guitar, and tinkering with cars. He also enjoyed mentoring others, where as a father figure - he helped and encouraged them.

Ben is preceded in death by his parents, his sisters, Rose Campbell and Carol Fontenot, and his sister-in-law, Essie Mae Fontenot.

Those who will most cherish his memory are his wife of 50 years, Mildred Fontenot of Orange; daughters, Ludy Marie Johnson and companion, Ricky Trahan of Orange, and Tammie Ann Callahan and husband, Patrick of Vidor; son, Tony Fontenot and companion, Beverly Mathews of Vinton; sister, Sally Stout and husband, Willis of Mauriceville; brothers, Lana Fontenot of Orange, and Fred Fontenot and wife, Lois of Orange; six grandchildren, Amanda Foster, Brandy Psencik, Kimberley Back, Renee Delano, Christin Ellis and Caleb Callahan; six great grandchildren and one more on the way. Ben is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Services to remember and honor Ben’s life will be at 11:00 A.M. Monday, Dec. 23, in the Chapel of Dorman Funeral Home in Orange, with Father Delphyn J. Meeks, officiating. Graveside services and interment will follow at the Smith Cemetery in Starks. A gathering of Ben’s family and friends for a time of reflection and sharing will be from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home.

Honoring Ben as pallbearers are Caleb Callahan, Adam Stout, Steve Molin, Danny Allen, Brett Trahan and J. D. Head.

Condolences may be expressed for the family at http://www.dormanfuneralhome.com/.