Nasen Fontenot, Jr.

VILLE PLATTE - Nasen Joseph Fontenot Jr., 76, of Ville Platte, LA passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at Mercy Regional Medical Center. His mother, Tonnie Belle Fontenot, and father, Nasen Joseph Fontenot Sr., predeceased him. Nasen Jr. leaves behind his wife, Brenda Fontenot; son, Benjamin Fontenot of Baton Rouge; and brother, John Wayne Fontenot of Lafayette.

Born March 16, 1946 in Ville Platte, LA, Nasen graduated from Ville Platte High School in 1964.  After high school graduation, Nasen attended Nichols State in 1969 where he received his Bachelor’s degree and went on to receive his Master’s degree and Plus 30 from LSU. He started his professional career as a teacher at James Stephens Elementary and Plaisance Elementary. Nasen then spent 5 years as a plant manager at Valley Canning in Cecilia, LA before returning to education. He worked for the Evangeline Parish School System until his retirement with 30+ years of service.  While at the Evangeline Parish School System, Nasen held the positions of 7th and 8th grade Math and Science teacher at Ville Platte Junior High, assistant principal and principal at Mamou Upper Elementary, Title 1 supervisor, and maintenance supervisor.

Friends and family are very aware of Nasen’s long struggle with health issues including the need for a kidney transplant. In 2006, after over 2 years of undergoing dialysis, he received a kidney from a family member, Monica Lafleur, who was involved in a tragic accident. Her husband, Richard Blair Lafleur, and children, Lindsey, Kayra, and Courtney are forever in our thoughts and prayers. Monica gave Brenda and Ben 16 more years with a husband and father and gave Nasen a countless number of additional card games.

The family would like to give special thanks to the caregivers that helped Nasen get through his medical struggles: Dr. Greg Ardoin, Dr. Paul Miller, Dr. Daniel Frey, Dr. John Higginbotham, Dr. Chuck Monier, Dr. Jake Lafleur, Dr. Tommy Fontenot, and Dr. Brandon Fontenot. Thank you for your support.

On a lighter note…

Nasen enjoyed hunting and fishing when it was not too hot or too cold. What he really enjoyed was playing cards at the camp after the hunt was over… he was NEVER the last one out of the woods.  Nasen also enjoyed his weekly card games (sometimes 3/week) with his lifelong friends, going to the movies, attending plays at The Little Theatre in Eunice with Brenda, and cruising the back roads in his convertible sports car with the top down.

There will be no burial as Nasen donated his body to science, LSU Medical Center. There will be a 9:30 AM rosary and a memorial Mass at 10:00 AM Thursday, June 23, 2022 at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Ville Platte. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made in Nasen’s name to the Alzheimer’s Services  of Acadiana:  www.alzacadiana.com.

Family and friends may leave condolences for the family at www.ardoinfuneralhomes.com.

Ardoin’s Funeral Home in Ville Platte is in charge of arrangements.