WILLIAMSTOWN, W.Va. (AP) - Frank M. Fenton, the longtime
president of Fenton Art Glass and son of its founder, died August
9. He was 89.
Fenton, the fifth child and first son of Frank L. Fenton, was
born December 1 1915. He attended grade school in Williamstown,
but crossed over the Ohio River to Marietta, Ohio, to attend high
school. He entered Marietta College in September 1932 and
graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in 1936.
He began working for the family company while in college. He
tried several times to get a summer job at the factory, but his
father turned him down, saying others needed the work more than
he did. Finally, he was given a position by his uncle.
For nearly four decades, Frank along with his brother Bill headed
Fenton Art Glass.
Fenton Art Glass is continuing a 100th anniversary celebration
throughout 2005 with special glass productions. The celebration
kicked off in Williamstown July 29, but Fenton was too ill to
attend. His most recent public appearance at the factory was when
Governor Joe Manchin visited in May to help commemorate the
company's 100th year.
"He was a great leader and certainly provided a lot of support
and advice,'' said his son George Fenton, CEO and current
president of Fenton Art Glass. "He was personally very caring
and, in business, very wise and very astute.''
