Charlie K. Fant Sr.'s Obituary
Charlie Kay Fant died peacefully in his sleep on March 14, 2019. He was born February 27, 1921 in Marion County to Lee Ernest and Mary Owen Fant. Charlie had lived in Longview for 50 years. He married Violet Ray Frost on May 10, 1942 and they celebrated 65 years together before her passing in 2007.
Charlie was a longtime member of Greggton First Baptist Church and a 65+ year member of Jefferson Masonic Lodge #38, a member of Pine Tree Lodge #1396, and a lifetime member of VFW. He served his country for 3 ½ years aboard the USS Minneapolis. His career as an ironworker and rig builder took him all over the United States and abroad.
Much loved and missed by his family and friends, Charlie is survived by his three children; son Charlie, Jr. (Sonny) Fant and wife Phyllis; son Rodney Fant and wife Vicki; daughter Rebekah Claeys; five grandchildren, Brandy Piazza, Amy Lavere Sexton, Travis Claeys, Madison Claeys, Codi Lee Fant; seven great grandchildren, Kaitlyn Piazza, Darin Piazza, Joshua Piazza, Violet Claeys, Joseph J. Claeys, Everett Fant Claeys, and August Downs; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Charlie was preceded in death by his wife Violet; his brothers Reese, Ray and Roy; and sisters Esteen Whitfield and Florence Mackey.
The family would like to recognize and thank Penny Knollenberg, his Visiting Angel, for her love and great care during our loved one’s good days and not so good days.
Funeral services will be in the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home in Longview on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. with visitation starting one hour prior. Reverend Bobby Blaylock will be officiating. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery, 11 miles north of Jefferson.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted at the Shiloh Cemetery Association, 473 FM 2683 E. Jefferson, TX 75657
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