Phillip Ray Fenton

Phillip Ray Fenton, age 75, of Palestine, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 11, 2020.  He was born on the 23rd day of February 1945, in Gladewater, Texas, to parents Ebbie Fenton and Martha Fleet Fenton.  

Phillip retired from T.D.C.J. and spent much of his time volunteering.  He was a Master Mason and enjoyed playing golf when he was younger.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Louise Gallant; and brothers, Claude Fenton, Lonnie Fenton, Russell Fenton, Leamon Fenton and Jerry Fenton.

Phillip is survived by his wife of 43 years, Melva Fenton; in-laws, Denham and Melva Hurlston of Grand Cayman; daughters, Honey Fenton and husband Jason Boyd of Tomball and Happy Fenton of Palestine; sisters-in-law, Martha Fenton, Betty Fenton, Heather Norman and Ken, Judy Hurlston; brothers-in-law, Denham Hurlston and Natalia, Hank Hurlston and Irma; grandchildren, Bailey Gochnour and Kaitlyn Gochnour; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service will be conducted at one o’clock in the afternoon, on Thursday, the 16th day of April 2020 at East Mountain Cemetery in Gladewater, Texas with Ben Rhone officiating. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, services will be private and attendance limited.

A memorial service celebrating Mr. Fenton’s life will be scheduled after the current COVID-19 virus emergency abates.

Those honored to serve as honorary pallbearers are Brad Fenton, Bob Tilton, John Berryman, Jason Boyd, Danny Gochnour and Bailey Gochnour.

Family and friends are welcome to leave condolences and/or share a memory of Mr. Fenton on the Tribute Wall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Mr. Fenton’s memory can be directed towards Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, Texas 75701.

(A memorial video of Mr. Fenton’s graveside will be posted here on a later date.)

Graveside services for Phillip Ray Fenton are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.

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