Lonnie Joe Fenton

Services for Lonnie Joe Fenton 87, of Liberty City will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2017, at the First Baptist Church in Liberty City with Reverend Paul Michael Vacca officiating. Interment will follow at the old East Mountain Cemetery. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater. Mr. Fenton passed away Monday, March 06, 2017, at his home surrounded by family.

Mr. Fenton was born November 15, 1929, in Gilmer, Texas to the late Ebbie Russell Fenton and Martha Corine Fleet Fenton. Lonnie attended East Texas Baptist University on a football scholarship and finished at East Texas State University. Mr. Fenton earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Lonnie began his coaching career with East Mountain H.S. and then moved to Sabine H.S., where he served as Head Football Coach and Athletic Director from 1968 through 1979, and from where he retired in 1989. Mr. Fenton was a longtime active member at First Baptist Church Liberty City where he served as a Deacon and Treasurer. Lonnie enjoyed watching sports, especially the Texas Rangers, camping and spending time with family and friends. His grandchildren and great- grandchildren were his pride and joy. Mr. Fenton was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be truly be missed by all the loving family and friends he leaves behind.

Lonnie is survived by his wife of 61 years, Golda Mae Fenton of Liberty City; daughter Lesa Machelle Tilton and husband Bob of Carrollton, son Bradley Joe Fenton of Austin; brother Phillip Ray Fenton and wife Melva of Palestine; three grandchildren Adam Schoenky, Austin Schoenky and Abbey Schoenky; two great grandchildren Macey Mae McClelland and Cameren Huitt, as well as many other loving family members and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, sister Louise Gallant and four brothers, Claude Fenton, Russell Fenton, Leamon Fenton and Jerry Fenton.

The family would like to thank Yolanda Hester, caregiver, for the help and support she provided as well as the HeartsWay Hospice nurses and staff.