John was a lifelong resident of Holmwood, Louisiana. He deeply loved his children, cherished his grandchildren, and held his great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren close to his heart and soul. John had a true passion for music—he enjoyed playing the accordion, guitar, and harmonica, and especially loved listening to Cajun-French tunes. He also had a fondness for animals and took pride in keeping his yard neat by cutting grass.
In his younger years, John served in the Merchant Marines, traveling the world eight times and bringing home memorabilia from his journeys. Afterward, he became a rice farmer before starting a long career as a welder and pipe fitter, eventually becoming a supervisor at Olin Chemicals, where he worked for 27 years.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Darlene Gaspard, Tim Fontenot and wife Janet, Sue Moody, Jamie Fontenot and wife Debbie, Brent Fontenot and wife Jodie and Tessa Menard; grandchildren, Mandan Gaspard, Mandi Potts, Paige Fontenot, Morgan Pharr, Savanna Schnake, Colby Moody, Lynsie Martin, Bryant Fontenot, Justin Fontenot, Ashley Landry, Kalum Fontenot, Adelyn Menard; great grandchildren, Shelbie Gaspard, Madison Potts, Graham Comer, Zoey Schnake, Hadley, Riley, Brinley, and Charley Landry; great great grandchildren, Kadrian Gaspard and Nova Bray.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Loudell Fontenot; and siblings, Mason Fontenot, Guildford Fontenot, Nolan Fontenot, Jimmy Fontenot, Laura Jane Fontenot, Hazel West, Audrey Spears, and Enise Fontenot.
The family will welcome relatives and friends at Hixson Funeral Home of Lake Charles on Thursday, October 23, 2025 beginning at 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will resume on Friday, October 24, 2025 at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral service to begin at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Derouen-Lorraine Cemetery.
Please leave fond memories for the Fontenot family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
