Obituary of Edward LaFontaine

Gustave Edward LaFontaine, Jr., 101, passed away on February 21, 2024. A native of Frankfort, he was the son of Kathleen Agnes Whitehead LaFontaine and Gustave Edward LaFontaine, Sr. and is survived by his children, Linda Anne Newman (Bill), Martha Agnes LaFontaine, Margaret Ingram LaFontaine, and G. Edward LaFontaine, III (Margaret Rose); as well as a brother, Vincent LaFontaine; six grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. Ed was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen Ingram Lowman LaFontaine; two sisters, Margaret C. LaFontaine and Babbette L. Rassenfoss; and four brothers, Charles Whitehead LaFontaine, Oscar Raymond LaFontaine, Maurice A. LaFontaine, and Daniel W. LaFontaine. Born on April 10 1922, Ed was a graduate of Good Shepherd High School and attended Xavier University for one semester before joining the United States Navy in 1943. He served as a Navy patrol bomber during World War II, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with eight stars, and the Presidential Unit Commendation, as well as other campaign ribbons and awards. He continued in the Naval Air Reserve for 26 years, serving as a pilot, bombardier, navigator, and tactical commander, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Following WWII, he assisted in the reorganization of the Drum & Bugle Corps, serving as Commander, bugler, drill arranger, and instructor. From the age of nine through 96, Ed performed "Taps" over the graves of more than 900 deceased veterans. Ed worked briefly as a route manager for LaFontaine Wholesale Beverage, and joined Kentucky State Government in 1949 as a Cartographic Draftsman for the Highway Dept. He transferred to the Dept. of Aeronautics in 1952, and became Director in 1975. As Director, he had the distinction of guiding the office to the first successful State Airport System Plan in the nation. For his efforts, he was awarded the FAA's Silver Certificate. During his tenure as Director, over sixty municipal airports were opened in Kentucky. He continued to maintain his pilot's license throughout his life, accumulating over 6,000 hours in 37 Navy and civil aircraft. In 1979, he purchased and began flying a hot air balloon. Frankfort residents may remember seeing his balloon at Capital Expo, the Franklin County Fair, Derby Breakfasts on the Capitol lawn, and other local events. Ed served the National Association of State Aviation Officials as a Regional Vice President, has been enshrined in the Amelia Earhart "Forest of Friendship", and co-founded the Kentucky Aviation Association. He served on the Advisory Board for Eastern Kentucky University's Aviation Program, and was active in the direction and operation of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky and its Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame, of which he was a founding member. He was inducted into the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame in 2006. A lifelong member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church, he was also a member of American Legion Post #7, VFW Post #4075, Knights of Columbus #1483, VPB-111 / VP-21 Vets Association, Balloon Society of Kentucky, and the Quiet Birdmen of Louisville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in the Good Shepherd Catholic Church at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 27th, with burial following in the Frankfort Cemetery. Visitation will begin at the church at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed's memory are suggested to the Aviation Museum of Kentucky Young Aviators Summer Camp or to Good Shepherd Catholic School.