Reverend Ralph Eugene Jonté died at his home in Beaumont, Sunday, October 23, 2011, surrounded by those who loved him. He was born on February 12, 1923, in Beaumont to Ted and Ida Jonté.
An avid fan of learning, he graduated from Beaumont High School in 1940 and attended Stephen F. Austin, Lon Morris and Perkins School of Theology before becoming an ordained minister in the Methodist Church in 1950.
Reverend Jonté married the love of his life, Juanita Fling, on June 10, 1943. She preceded him in death in 2000. Their marriage was blessed by four children, four grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
He was known for his great ability to care for his flock wherever he served which included Silsbee for eighteen and a half years as well as the Nacogdoches circuit, Tenaha, East Bernard, Galveston, New Gulf, Wharton, Alvin and Jasper.
Reverend Jonté also firmly believed in civic clubs serving in the Kiwanis Club, Lion’s Club and working diligently with the God and Country program in the Boy Scouts.
He was a gentle man known for his compassion, humor and an infectious laugh that could coax a smile out of even the most wounded soul. Two of his fondest memories were a visit to the Holy Land sponsored by some generous parishioners and a trip to London to see where the Methodist Church had its beginnings.
Reverend Jonté was also preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Reverend Robert Jonté.
He is survived by four children, Reverend Vicky Peters and her husband, Joe of Beaumont, Gaye Fetterolf and her husband, Rick of Silsbee, Sandy Gaudette and her husband, Norm of Dublin and Randy Jonté and his wife, Patti of Pearland; grandchildren, James Fetterolf of Bridge City, Alan and Christi Fetterolf of Vidor, Paul Gaudette of Dublin, and Jennifer and Jeff Wales; and one great-granddaughter, Keira Fetterolf.
His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 26, 2011, at Trinity United Methodist Church of Beaumont, 3430 Harrison Avenue, with interment to follow at Magnolia Cemetery under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 25, 2011, at Broussard’s.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church of Beaumont, P.O. Box 5247, Beaumont, Texas 77726; First United Methodist Church of Silsbee, 670 North 5th Street, Silsbee, Texas 77656; or any of the churches he served in his life.
