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 Frank
M. Fenton (1915-2005)
(Williamstown, WV) Frank M. Fenton, Historian, past
President and past Chairman of the Board of the Fenton Art Glass
Company, passed away on August 9, 2005, following a series of
lingering health issues. Frank, the fifth of eight children born
to Lillian and Frank L. Fenton, was born December 1, 1915, and was
a lifelong resident of Williamstown, West Virginia.
Frank Fenton graduated from Marietta College in 1936. Along with
his brother Bill, Frank assumed leadership positions at Fenton
when their father and an uncle died in 1948. Under their
stewardship for almost 40 years, the organization grew from a
modest business to a company known worldwide for its innovative
products. Most recently filling the role of Fenton Art Glass
Historian, Frank was last seen publicly at a May appearance with
West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin in celebration of the company's
100th anniversary.
Frank often made presentations to Fenton collector clubs, and his
love for family and Fenton glass were always evident, as was his
sense of humor. A friend to several generations of glass
collectors, Frank is recalled fondly by many Fenton glass
collectors who remember the pleasant times they spent with him.
He was active in various community organizations, including
Artsbridge, the First United Methodist Church in Williamstown,
Marietta Rotary, and the Williamstown Community Association. Frank
Fenton served 36 years on the Marietta College Board of Trustees.
Frank, along with Bill Fenton, established the Fenton Foundation
to support local community needs. Frank most recently donated
$25,000 to the town of Williamstown, along with five acres of
land, to create a park.
Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth, in 1980 and
his brother Wilmer "Bill" in December 2002. He is survived by his
sons Frank, Tom, Mike, and George as well as many grandchildren
and great-grandchildren.
Frank M. Fenton left a wonderful legacy to the Fenton family, the
Fenton Art Glass Company, the Fenton Museum and glass collectors
everywhere.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be sent to:
First United Methodist Church
304 W. Fifth Street
Williamstown, WV 26187
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