Christoval Fontenot

Christoval Fontenot, Jr. of Yakima, WA passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loved ones on December 18, 2009; he was 81.Chris (aka Charlie) was born on September 16, 1928 to Christoval and Emily Fontenot, in Holmwood, Louisiana. He grew up in a household where French was the primary language and Cajun cooking the only way to eat. Chris had many brothers and sisters and, until their mother passed away, they all worked the family farm. He took on odd jobs until 1946, when he was old enough to join the US Navy. While serving as a Gunners Mate, on the U.S.S. Helena, Chris was stationed in San Francisco, CA and the ship took him to places like Hawaii and Shanghai, China. During this time, a shipmate spoke of his life in the Yakima Valley – a place called Harrah, WA. The wonderful stories about the Valley, growing hops and a potential job piqued Chris’s curiosity. When his time in the Navy was over, he decided to visit the Yakima Valley before heading home to Louisiana. What he discovered was to his liking and he decided to stay. Chris worked in the hop fields and in farming, but soon tired of this sort of work. His former shipmate was going to barber college, in Yakima; thinking it was something he could do, Chris signed up and received his barber’s license in 1949. Learning he could earn more money as a beautician, he went on to beauty school where he received his cosmetology license and started work at the Bon Marche. In 1954, he married and had two adorable children. Some things aren‘t meant to be and the couple parted. In 1964, Chris married again, having two more children. After nearly two decades with the Bon, he decided to go out on his own opening, Chez Chris Beauty Salon, which he sold in 2004. Only weeks ago, after sixty years in the industry, he finally retired his barber shears. Chris loved fishing, hunting, dogs, good food and lively conversations with his many friends. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Footprinters, the Yakima Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Morning Coffee Club at Burger Ranch. Chris is survived by Mary, his devoted wife of 45 years; his children Deborah (Dale) White of Noel, MO; Michael (Jolene) Fontenot of Broken Arrow, OK; Kathleen (Jarrett) Lofthus of Des Moines, WA; Anthony Fontenot of Yakima, WA and Dr. Gabriel Lascar (whom he regarded as a son). Granddaughters Mackenzie and Maddison Lofthus and grandson Jonathan White; step-granddaughters Angie (Bart) Wisenhunt and Ashley Mason, step-great-granddaughters Kylea and Savannah Wisenhunt; sisters Anna-Mae Jones, Irene Gallow, and Betty Carrier, mother-in-law Rebecca D. Nanez and numerous extended family. Special thanks and much appreciation to Dr. Odhett, Dr. Lascar, all the 2nd floor nurses at YVMH, and Hospice, for the wonderful care received. A memorial services will be held Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at 11:00AM at Keith and Keith Funeral Home 902 W Yakima Ave., Yakima, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Memorial Foundation of Yakima Valley.Arrangements are under the care and direction of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.