Terrell Owen LaFontaine

Terrell Owen LaFontaine, lovingly known as “T.O.,” “Big Terrell,” “GT,” and (his favorite name)“Paw Paw,” passed away at the age of 74 on Friday, November 22, 2024. 

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Laurin Ann LaFontaine; his daughter Vicki Lynn Favre (Brian); his son Terrell O. LaFontaine, II (Julie); his five grandchildren: Natalie, Emily (Josh), Erin, Ethan, Evan; his siblings: Ronnie LaFontaine (Sylvia), Gwendolyn Marquar (David), Dale LaFontaine, Lynette Austin (Jimmy), Dwayne LaFontaine; his nieces and nephews: Kyle, Kelly, Keith, Kim, Kendall, Alisha, Shea, Heather, Tyler, Ledier, Priscilla, Kevin, Tara; and his many great nieces and nephews, as well as their children. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Sidney and Mary LaFontaine & Delarie and Cevelia Ladner; parents, Clifton Owen and Mary Adele LaFontaine; his mother in law, Lydia Monti Favre; brother in law Gabe Favre; sister in law Adele Favre; nephew Chad LaFontaine; and niece Stephanie Favre.

Terrell was a member of Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church, the original St. Stanislaus Sideline Club, and the former president of Bay St. Louis Little League, but his greatest joys remained elsewhere. After 40 years on the L&N/CSX Bay Bridge, Terrell retired and truly began enjoying his favorite pastimes. His knowledge of gardening and crossword puzzle answers were just as impressive and extensive as his ability to predict the outcome of nearly every football game with an ice cold Bud Light in his hand. His humor was witty and clever, yet kind. You never knew what Terrell was going to say next, but you could guarantee it would have everyone doubling over in laughter and become a core memory for everyone involved. One of his greatest joys was sharing joy with others. He was a man of the Coast in every possible way – If you couldn’t find him at home making crab and mullet nets, he was driving down the beach to sit on the Shell Pile or simply look at the water with the windows down and the Classic Oldies Station on. He loved being on the water as much as he loved living near it; his luck always provided him with enough fish, crabs, and shrimp to feed his entire family plus some.Terrell’s heart was larger than his hat collection and casino earnings (both in real life and on his iPad) combined. He was always willing, eager, and able to help others, especially his grandchildren. His five greatest joys were the center of his universe (with his wife, children, and chickens at a close second), and they will carry on his memory and legacy forever. His contagious laugh and love will live on through everyone who was lucky enough to know him. 

Services will be held Friday, November 29, 2024 at Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church. Visitation will be 10 - 10:30 a.m. for immediate family and 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. for friends and family, with a mass to follow. Interment will follow at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the causes nearest to Terrell’s heart: St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, MT, or Shriners Hospital for Children.

Edmond Fahey Funeral home is honored to serve the family of Terrell O. LaFontaine.