Thara A. Fontelroy

Thara A. Fontelroy, 56, of Parsons, passed away at 9:47 p.m., Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at his home.

Thara Anderson Fontelroy was born on March 13, 1965, in Parsons, Kansas.  He was one of fifteen children born to Walter H. Fontelroy, Sr. and Claretha E. (Ponds) Fontelroy.  He grew up in Parsons and attended McKinley and Guthridge Grade Schools, Parsons Junior High School and graduated from Parsons High School in 1983.

Following high school, Thara attended Labette Community College and worked at Katy Station.  He eventually moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where he realized his passion for the culinary.  Thara moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he sharpened his culinary skills, working as a sous chef.  His talent and preparation gave him the opportunity to work as a chef at Chateau Elan Resort and Winery in Atlanta.  Due to illness, he returned to Parsons in 2000 to be closer to his family.

Thara grew up as a church boy, who was a member of the Pleas Chapel Church of God in Christ, now Watson Memorial, in Parsons.  He accepted salvation at a very early age and was active in Sunday School and YPWW.

Loving all things sports, Thara was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and KU Jayhawks fan.  Football season will not be the same without him.

Thara was a great son, father, brother and very special uncle.  Among the many good things Thara did in life, his ultimate purpose was to spread love, laughs and happiness.  He was always positive, giving, and always offered a smile.  Even though his illness left his body with limitations, his eyes and smile still offered his gift to the end.

"To God be the Glory for his Life!"

Survivors include:

One daughter – Tiera Cochran of Atlanta, Georgia

Two grandchildren – Rosie and Danyul

His mother – Claretha Fontelroy of the home

Five brothers – Ronald Fontelroy of Houston, Texas

Dennis Fontelroy and his wife, Tietha, of Wichita, Kansas

A. Joseph Fontelroy of Parsons, Kansas

Mark Fontelroy and his wife, Carol, of Gulf Port, Mississippi

David Fontelroy of Parsons, Kansas

Five sisters – Retha Davis and her husband, Gary, of Pomona, California

Michelle Fontelroy of Parsons, Kansas

Evangeline Fontelroy of Parsons, Kansas

Beatrice Fontelroy of Parsons, Kansas

Christine Hill and her husband, Ed, of Parsons, Kansas

Twenty-four nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Fontelroy, Sr.; and four brothers, Walter Fontelroy, Jr., Carl Fontelroy, Michael Fontelroy and Phares Fontelroy.

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery.  Friends may call to sign the register at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday.

In concern due to Covid, seating will be limited and the family is asking masks be worn.  The funeral will be livestreamed and the link can be found under Thara's obituary at www.forbeshoffman.com.