Leonard Glynn Fontenot

"I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith." (2 Tim 4:6-8)

Leonard Glynn Fontenot entered his eternal home on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the age of 89. Born in Ville Platte on February 22, 1937, to Leonard Fontenot and Elise Dardeau Fontenot, he spent nearly his entire life in in the community he loved.

Leonard attended LSU, where he met the love of his life, Mary Alice Aucoin. They married and shared 63 years of devotion to one another. They proudly graduated from LSU on the same day-he with a degree in chemical engineering and she with a degree in science education. After a brief stint in Oklahoma for his ROTC officer training, they moved to Bastrop, Louisiana, where they welcomed their first two children. They returned to Ville Platte in 1963 when Leonard accepted a position with Cleco Power. Over the years, he rose to an executive role through dedication, integrity, and hard work.

Leonard is survived by his children: Paula Babin and husband Russell; Leonard Glynn Jr. "Glynn" and wife Georgette; Bill and wife Michele; and Richard and wife Beth. His legacy continues through his large and loving family of nine grandsons, four granddaughters, and eleven great‑grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents, a sister, Rita Mae Fontenot LaHaye, and a grandson, Mark Russell Babin.

Leonard was an avid outdoorsman who found joy and peace in the woods. Hunting was not just a pastime but a cherished tradition he shared with his children and grandchildren. He was also a passionate supporter of LSU sports, cheering on his Tigers with enthusiasm. One of his greatest sources of pride was that all four of his children-and eight of his grandchildren-graduated from LSU, a legacy that brought him immense joy.

A man who placed God at the center of his life, Leonard generously supported Sacred Heart Church and School with his time, talent, and treasure. He guided many toward a deeper faith, especially through his longtime involvement with Our Lady of the Oaks Retreat House in Grand Coteau. In retirement, he was rarely without a stack of spiritual reading nearby. He met life's challenges with unwavering faith and quiet determination.

Family was his joy. Time together meant hunting, cheering on their activities, playing or watching sports, and gathering at his father’s small farm—riding horses, hunting, crawfishing, and roaming the fields. A highlight of the year was a beach trip for the entire family, a tradition which began more than thirty years ago. He taught his children respect, kindness, generosity, self‑discipline, and perseverance. Many family members and friends sought his counsel, and he offered wisdom and compassion freely.

Leonard also believed deeply in serving his community and supporting those in need. As a young man, he was active in the Jaycees and Lions Club. Later, he devoted himself to the Rotary Club, where he held leadership roles. He served on numerous local boards and, alongside Mary, was honored by the Community Foundation of Acadiana for philanthropy in Evangeline Parish. In 2018, he was named Ville Platte's Man of the Year.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Wilda Jacobs, whose devoted care and steady presence brought comfort and dignity to Leonard in his later years. Her thoughtful management of his daily needs and her unwavering dedication were blessings to him and to all who loved him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic School or Church

Leonard's life, grounded in faith, service, and love, touched many hearts and quietly embodied the Christian values he cherished.