Sidney Arthur Fenter

Sidney Arthur Fenter - Born in Corpus Christi Texas, on October 4, 1954, joined his Mother, Nora Fenter and Father, John Fenter of California, into the great hereafter on March 6, 2020 at the age of 65, after succumbing to Liver Disease and Lymph node Cancer. Sid lived in Heiskell, Tennessee for the past 27 years with his beloved wife of 41 years, Marty Fenter. Early in his years Sid was an avid dirt bike enthusiast, pizza chef and pinball aficionado. Having a deep love for his country he joined the Navy at the tender age of 19. Stationed at Miramar Naval Base in San Diego California he worked up in the ranks, obtaining Chief at an unheard of and admirable young age in his early 30’s. Excelling as a jet mechanic, he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer thereafter. Sid was proud of the work he performed for his country. His Naval career took him all over the world to far off exotic places such as Australia, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kenya, and Pakistan, to name just a few. He was humble of his accomplishments but was most proud of his self-made training modules and safety enhancements; some of which are still in use today at Miramar in San Diego. Having a big heart, he regularly dressed up as Santa Clause for the young kids at his squadron’s Christmas parties. He was hit by a Taxi Cab in Greece and suffered a knee injury but being a man of great strength and gumption, he barely slowed down. Living a good portion of his adult life on Aircraft Carriers he once narrowly escaped death early in his career when he was blown off the flight deck after an aircraft took off in his proximity which caused him to lose the ability to hear in one ear. Upon his retirement from the Navy in April of 1993 he served an astonishing 20-year stint for his country and moved with his wife and daughter to the quiet countryside in the hills of East Tennessee. He took on a few jobs before he settled into the local Postal Service as a Mail Carrier. The best Mail Carrier some would say as referenced in holiday gifts and delicious baked goods that were lavished upon him regularly. He mixed his business with pleasure and spread his love of ‘dad jokes’ and yanking people’s chains with all of his mail recipients. His favorite saying: “Don’t pet a barking mailman.” Yet again rising in the ranks, he served as the Union Steward and then moved up to the Vice President of the Union in his area, gaining the respect and notice of many. He retired from the Postal Service after a 20-year stint as well. In his later years he took to collecting vinyl records and restoring his 1966 Mustang. Excited for the freedom of retirement, Sid and Marty took their motorhome around the states to visit family and took a cruise abroad for their 40-year anniversary in 2018. Sid was a dedicated and loving brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marty and their four children, Robert Fenter, Jesse Fenter, Richard Fenter, all of California and Paradise Kirkland of Tennessee. He leaves four siblings, Judy Bogart of New Mexico, Patricia Bonkowski of Utah, John Fenter Jr of California and Laurie Fenter of California. He leaves seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Other cherished family members are Robert’s wife Sandy, Jesse’s wife Anne Marie, and Paradise’s husband Joe as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. A full Military Honors Funeral with twenty-one-gun salute will take place at The East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery at 2200 East Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville Tennessee, on June 19 of 2020 at 2pm. All family and friends are encouraged to attend and come comfortably as they are. Sid was always a laid-back kind of guy, no need to dress up unless that is your desire. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations in his name to be made to the American Liver Foundation at liverfoundation.org, to sign up for organ donation and to regularly donate blood in your area.

Tributes

Sidney Arthur Fenter

October 4, 1954 - March 6, 2020