Steven Brose Fontenot

Steven Brose Fontenot passed away March 17 at age 66. He grew up in Ville Platte and Dry Creek, Louisiana. In the 1970’s he went to college. Although he did not enjoy his experience there, he made some life-long friendships, met his future wife Nancy Goodwin, and learned the skills to begin his future career as a successful paralegal and private investigator. Steve settled in Lafayette in 1982 where his ability at his chosen career made it possible for him to open his own business Paraprofessionals Ltd. in 1988. At the height of his career in 1992, Steve was stricken with a near fatal illness that broke parts of his body but not his determination to keep going. He kept his business going right up until the day he died, earning the respect of the many attorneys with whom he worked.

 

The joy of Steve’s life was his son Toby Fontenot with whom he imbued his work ethic, his sense of loyalty to friends, and the pleasure in cooking and spending time with friends. In addition to Toby he is survived by his former wife, Nancy Goodwin, his brother Van Deshotels, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins from the Howell family of Dry Creek.

He was preceded in death by his parents Brose and Juelene Fontenot and his baby daughter Kasha Robin Fontenot, who did not enter this world alive but whose memory he cherished deeply throughout his life.

 

A memorial service is being planned for a later date. Anyone wishing to memorialize Steve in a tangible way is requested to donate to the New Orleans Innocence Project 4051 Ulloa Street, New Orleans , LA 70119 or through their website ip-no.org