**This article appeared in The Parkersburg News on Wednesday, February 4^th, 2003

Fenton vice president dies at 52

By WILLIAM SCOTT

Those who knew Don Fenton well can barely sum up in words what it means to lose such a loyal friend and vital part of the community.

"Donny was just like his dad, Bill. They were genuine people. They never met a stranger," said Frank Marcinko, athletics director at Williamstown High School.

Williamstown and Wood County are mourning the loss of another community leader with the death of Don Fenton, 52, vice president of sales at Fenton Art Glass. He died early Monday at Charleston Area Medical Center while recovering from triple bypass surgery. Fenton had suffered a heart attack on Saturday after playing racquetball, said friends.

Marcinko said the Fentons were more than just partners in education with the Williamstown schools. They truly cared about the children and the community.

One of the events that Don Fenton was especially involved with was the annual girls basketball tournament in December.

Marcinko said Don and his wife, Donna, helped raise money, bring in teams and donate beautiful vases for the top finishers.

"And he never wanted any credit for it," Marcinko said. "The community lost someone who cared genuinely about family, school and student athletics. He wanted to make sure everything was the way it was supposed to be."

Don sacrificed his time and efforts even when his own children were not students at the schools, said Marcinko.

"He was excellent to work with. We will not only miss him in the job, but also as a friend. He treated everyone the same. The whole Fenton family is a fixture in this community," Marcinko said.

Williamstown High boys' basketball coach Ron Lathey said Don Fenton was a good friend who gave everything he could to the school and town. "He was a one-of-a-kind person. You don't replace people like Don Fenton," said Lathey.

Monday's loss was especially difficult because of the death of Wilmer "Bill" Fenton on Dec. 11, 2002.

"It's hard to replace someone like that and especially hard because we are dealing with the loss of his dad several weeks ago. They were pure, genuine individuals and they had a lot of qualities that you would like to see in other people. They will be sorely missed," said Marcinko.

Monty Stoops, principal at Williamstown Elementary, remembered Don as someone who would make sacrifices to create a quality place to live.

"He was a very giving person. He was always willing to do what was needed for the community. He was really the essence of the community. He helped make it a great place to live today," Stoops said.

Don's way of thinking reflected the right way of thinking, Stoops said.

"He was an excellent role model. I think he came from the old school of thought that said 'you should give back to the community.' Don was always a big part of the education here and he was one of the pillars of the community," Stoops said.

Don made significant contributions to the West Virginia Tourist Commission as well.

"He always wanted to hear what others thought. He was very approachable and receptive to all ideas," said Steve Nicely, president of the Parkersburg/Wood County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Nicely said Don was the voice of reason capable of analyzing any situation that arose.

"It was an extreme privilege and pleasure to work with him. He always saw the big picture. I was always impressed with the way he looked out for the best interests of the area."

Don was one of the first people to develop a joint effort between the Marietta and Parkersburg Tourist Bureaus, a project that was making significant strides in 2003.

"Don's experience and expertise cannot be replaced," Nicely said.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at First United Methodist Church in Williamstown. Don Fenton is survived by his wife and three children.