Obituary of Gene E. Fafard

Gene E. Fafard, Sr., 73, beloved father, native to Putnam, CT, died Sunday May 31st at Kindred Hospital in Arlington, TX. Mr. Fafard was predeceased by his wife of 39 years Irene (Gagnon) Fafard. Mr. Fafard resided in Grand Prairie, Texas with his daughter Christine Blanton who was his primary caretaker. He was born in Dudley, MA on April 10, 1936.

He is survived by his five children and their families: Cherie and Randy Jenkins of Grand Prairie, TX, Gene Fafard Jr. and Danielle Danielson of Thompson, CT, Christine and Kip Blanton of Grand Prairie, TX, Louis and Karen Fafard of Putnam, CT, and Debbie Reynolds of Georgia.

He also leaves 20 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mr. Fafard worked for most of his life as a master woodworker and was an active member of Family Fellowship Baptist Church in Arlington, TX. He was the President of the American Fence Association for four years in the 1970's and the previous co-owner of Apex Fence. He devoted himself to children's ministries through bus and puppet productions. He enjoyed working in his woodshop, being active in his church, walking and training his dog, and being the patriarch of his family. Mr. Fafard was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served during the Korean Conflict. He was a Sergeant serving with the 99th Field Maintenance Squadron, Strategic Air Command. He was trained and certified as a survival training and personal equipment specialist. Mr. Fafard was a member of the American Legion.

He is survived by a sister, Joanne Duboise, and three brothers, Roland Fafard, Alan Fafard, and Robert Fafard, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday June 6, 2009 at 10:15 AM from the Smith and Walker Funeral Home, followed by a service at 11:00 AM in the Congregational Church of Putnam, 175 Main Street, Putnam. Calling Hours will be Friday, June 5, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Smith and Walker Funeral Home 148 Grove Street, Putnam, CT. Burial with Military Honors will be in Munyan Cemetery, Putnam. To share a memory, Light a Candle at www.smithandwalkerfh.com