Belvin L. Fontenot

Belvin L. Fontenot, 75, of Lake Charles died at 5 a.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2016, in his residence.

A lifelong resident of Lake Charles, Belvin was born on July 8, 1940 to Tommy and Loney Elizabeth Benoit Fontenot. He was a 1958 graduate of LaGrange Senior High School and was starting center for the 1957 LaGrange State Finalist football team. Belvin served his country in the United States Army National Guard. He was a 1967 graduate of Northeast Louisiana University at Monroe, currently known as the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where he received his degree to become a pharmacist.  He was named Alumnus of the year for the Northeast Louisiana School of Pharmacy in 1980 and was recognized by the American Pharmacy Association Bowl of Hygeia in 1982. Belvin worked as a pharmacist for Christus St. Patrick Hospital, retiring after more than twenty years of service. He was named Pharmacist of the Year in 1987. Belvin was a lifelong member of St. Margaret Catholic Church. As a young man in his high school years, Belvin was a Columbian Squire, serving as president at one time. He was also a member of Monsignor Cramers 4th Degree Assembly Knights of Columbus No. 3208. He was named Grand Knight in 1973 and Knight of the Year in 2010. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 1. Belvin and his beloved wife Carolyn were also members of the Krewe de la Famille, serving as King and Queen in 1985.

He is survived by his faithful wife of 45 years, Carolyn Foreman Fontenot of Lake Charles; one son, Foster Fontenot of Lake Charles; one daughter, Fara McKinley and husband Colonel Keith A. McKinley, currently stationed in Tokyo, Japan; one sister, Louise E. Solari, also of Lake Charles; and two grandchildren, Gabrielle and Alexandra McKinley.

Belvin was preceded in death by his parents, Loney and Tommy Fontenot and one brother, Leon “Sonny” Fontenot.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 1 p.m. at St. Margaret Catholic Church under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Father Marcus Johnson will officiate. Entombment will be in Consolata Cemetery. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4 until 9 p.m. with an American Legion service to be held at 6 p.m. and a rosary at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will continue from 8 a.m. on Wednesday until 12:30 p.m.