Arnold Fondren

Arnold Fondren, age 83 passed away on February 16, 2009. He was born in East Lake Section of Birmingham, AL. He went to Barrett Grammar School and was very active in Sea Scouts (a nautical version of the Boy Scouts). He attended Woodlawn High School till the age of seventeen, when in 1943 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy after his favorite cousin was killed in the Solomon Islands. In the Navy he served as a Motar Machinist Mate on the USS Whitman DE24 and was in three invasions in the Central Pacific Campaign. He was discharged in March 1946 as a MM3. After receiving his GED he went to work as a crane operator for American Bridge until 1954. After that he was a letter carrier for the US Postal Service until the age of 65. He was president of the Local #128 of the United Commercial Travelers Association. Also he served several times as President of Neighborhood Association of Lakeview Estates. He coached little league baseball at Wahouma in the 1960's. He was an Elder and Deacon for Eastminster Presbyterian Church. He was also a Mason for over 50 years at local Lodge #480. In his younger years "Arnie" excelled in gymnastics and boxing. He was extremely active in the service of his church and community, earning the nickname "You can count of Arnold." He is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret Fondren. He is survived by his children, Michael A. Fondren, Jan Black (Mitch), Rodna Smith (Mark), and Charlotte Fondren; honorary daughter, Carol A. Linden; brother, Amer C. Fondren, Jr.; grandchildren, Stephen Smith (Julie) and James Smith; several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Wednesday, February 18, 2009 from 5 to 8PM at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home. Services will be Thursday at 10:00 AM at Jefferson Memorial. Burial will follow at Jefferson Memorial Gardens East. Rev. Gary Kendrick and Tom Stalnaker will be officiating the services for Mr. Fondren. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 1751 Gadsden Hwy., Birmingham, AL 35235. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.