- Date Of Birth: October 26, 1937
- Date Of Death: November 14, 2014
- State: New Mexico
Crispin Chris Fontanilla, 77 of Muleshoe died Friday, November 14, 2014 in a Lubbock Hospital. He was born October 26, 1937 in the Phillipines to Agatona and Catalino Fontanilla. Chris was reared in Kauai, Hawaii and was a 1957 graduate of Waimea High School. Mr. Fontanilla entered the United States Air Force in Los Angeles in 1959 and served all over the world until being stationed at Cannon Air Force Base in Clovis in 1977. He retired in 1979 after 20 years of dedicated service at the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1979 he began his new career as a Golf Professional, which was his true passion. Chris managed area golf courses and became known as Pineapple, he coached all the local hackers in lowering their handicap. Mr. Fontanilla taught all ages of beginning golfers and boasted at the fact his oldest student was 91 years old. Chris was still coaching his grandson from his hospital bed that 3 putting was not a good way to finish a hole. He adored his family and never missed his grandsons golf tournament or school function. His favorite place: on the golf course with his big buddy, his grandson Christian. His golf legacy will continue through his son Jeff, and grandsons, Johnny and Christian.
He is survived by his wife Jan Fontanilla of Muleshoe, TX. sons Terry Fontanilla of Muleshoe, TX., and Jeff Fontanilla and wife Kelley of Texico, NM, daughters Leslie Leiberick and husband Jim of Portales, NM., and Marlene Toma of Kauai, Hawaii. His brothers Archie Fontanilla and wife Alice, Joe Fontanilla and wife Nancy, and Gus Fontanilla all of Kauai, Hawaii. Grandchildren Cheryl Lavin, Josh Coleman, Johnny and Kayleigh Lavin all of Virginia, Kevin and Kristopher Toma of Kauai, Hawaii, Christian and Kirra Fontanilla of Texico, NM. Great grandchildren Dorian, John J5, Benjamin, and Korbin.
Crispin was preceded in death by his parents, Catalino and Agatona Fontanilla, and brother Rod Fontanilla.
