Elward James Fontenot "Jay"

May 29, 1932 – February 14, 2018 Elward James "Jay" Fontenot passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 peacefully at home with his family. He was 85 years old. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 19, 2018 at 11:00am at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Eunice. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Fr. Matthew Hebert will officiate. At the request of the family, visitation will begin on Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 2:00pm until 8:00pm at Quirk and Son Funeral Home in Eunice. A rosary will be held Sunday evening at 7:00pm. Deacon Gary Gaudin will officiate. Jay was an avid fisherman and hunter most of his life. He also loved to camp and ride his horses. You could always find Jay either working or cooking for those he loved. He was a proud deputy of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office, and was also a local businessman for many years as owner of Eunice Implement, Inc. During his retirement years, you could find Jay swapping stories with his friends and family, but especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be truly missed by all those who love him. Jay is survived by his loving companion, Ann MaGee; his son, Randy Fontenot and his wife, Lola of Mamou; three grandchildren, Katelyn Laughlin and husband Michael of Kingwood, Texas; Maggie Fontenot of Port Barre, and Sara Fontenot of Baton Rouge; two great-grandchildren, Abigail and Luke Laughlin of Kingwood, Texas; two step children, James Robin and wife Shannon of Minnesota, and Patti Garbarino of Lafayette; four step grandchildren, Nick and Doug Garbarino, Freddy and Clara Robin. Serving as pall bearers are Michael Laughlin, Jessie Manuel, Jimmy Fontenot, Randy Fontenot (his son), and Luke Laughlin as an honorary pall bearer (his great grandson). Jay is preceded in death by his parents, Hubert Fontenot and Lillie Soileau Fontenot, and one brother, Harold Fontenot. Quirk and Son Funeral Home in Eunice is in charge of the arrangements.