The Rev. Franklin Edwin Fondel Sr. was born at 9 a.m. on Feb. 22, 1934, along with his twin sister, Francese Fondel, to proud parents, Rosa Beatrice (Williams) Fondel and David James Fondel Sr. in Lake Charles, La.

The Rev. Fondel was called from his earthly labor to heavenly reward at 7:40 p.m. on Feb. 13, 2025, at Landmark Nursing Home.

On Sept. 1, 1968, the Rev. Fondel and Stella Louise Wilkins were united in holy matrimony. Two sons were born to this union, Franklin E. Fondel Jr. and Adrian G. Fondel. Their union lasted 56 years.

The Rev. Fondel was a 1954 W.O. Boston High School graduate in Lake Charles, La.

Following his graduation from high school in 1954, a few Blacks tried to enroll in McNeese State College, only to be turned away. After successful litigation led by the young attorney Thurgood Marshall, the students were eventually allowed to enroll.

The Rev. Fondel attended Fitch School of Floral Design in Houston, Texas. He returned home to establish a part of one of the most rapidly growing enterprises in Lake Charles, Fondel’s Flower Shop, which he founded in 1962 and operated out of the family home on North Enterprise Boulevard. Eventually, Fondel’s Flower Shop relocated to North Lyons Street, where it remained inside Fondel Memorial Chapel until his health failed him in 2017.

In addition to being a successful businessman, the Rev. Fondel was ordained as a licensed minister in 1962 and pastored the Macedonia Baptist Church in Sulphur, La. from 1970 to 2000, and was President of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance from 2001 to 2004.

The Rev. Fondel discovered his love and passion for music at a very young age. This was no surprise, as his mother was his music teacher and mentor. At age six, he began playing the piano in church.

He grew into a well-trained pianist and organist and managed the Fondel Gospel Singers, which had two recordings under the “Cross & Crown” label in Nashville, Tenn. The group was the first in this genre from Lake Charles to record and gain fame and notoriety.

For three years, he played at Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church under the leadership of the Rev. N.P. Jones, Pastor.

For 65 years, the Rev. Fondel was minister of music for the Mt. Calvary Senior Male Chorus, organized by Brother Herman Senegar, under the administration of the late Rev. D.J. Jones and later under the administration of the late Rev. Horace Allison. For 50 years, the Rev. Fondel directed the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church Junior Choir and Mass Choir.

For several years, the Rev. Fondel could be heard each Sunday morning on his gospel radio program, hosted by the local radio station KAOK. His love and passion for gospel music never diminished, as he could often be found listening to and even playing gospel music until his final days.

In addition to being a loving husband and father, successful businessman, accomplished musician, and dedicated servant of Christ, the Rev. Fondel served his community as a representative on the Lake Charles Housing Authority Board for 12 years, from 1993 to 2005.

The Rev. Fondel is preceded in death by his parents, David Sr. and Rosa; five brothers, John D. Fondel, James (J.C.) Fondel, Marion Fondel, David J. Fondel II, and Raymond M. Fondel Sr.; twin sister, Francese Fondel Gordon; sister, Mary Ellen (Antoine) Semien, and godchild, Eddie Lee Leviege Jr.

The Rev. Fondel leaves to cherish his sweet memories his wife, Stella Louise Fondel; two sons, Franklin E. Fondel Jr. and Adrian G. Fondel; granddaughter, Alexis Fondel; one brother, George Fondel; godchild, Deborah Doshier, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The Rev. Fondel’s life and legacy will be celebrated on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church at 300 North Blake Street in Lake Charles. Visitation will occur from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the services to follow immediately.  Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park.  Arrangements are under the direction of Fondel Memorial Chapel and James Funeral Home.