Changes

{{Infobox officeholder

{{Infobox officeholder

| name=Clyde Edward Fant, Sr.​

| name=Clyde Edward Fant, Sr.​

|nationality=[[United States|American]]​

| nationality=[[United States|American]]​

| office=[[Mayor]] of [[Shreveport]], [[Louisiana]]​

| office=[[Mayor]] of [[Shreveport]], [[Louisiana]]​

| party=[[Democratic Party|Democrat]] ​

| party=[[Democratic Party|Democrat]] ​

| term_start=1946​

| term_start=1946​

| term_end=1954​

| term_end=1954​

| preceded=Sam Caldwell​

| preceded=[[Sam Caldwell]]​

| succeeded=[[James C. Gardner]]​

| succeeded=[[James C. Gardner]]​

|term_start2=1958​

| term_start2=1958​

|term_end2=1970​

| term_end2=1970​

|preceded2=James C. Gardner​

| preceded2=James C. Gardner​

|succeeded2=[[Calhoun Allen]]​

| succeeded2=[[Calhoun Allen]]​

|office3=Shreveport Public Utilities Commissioner​

| office3=Shreveport Public Utilities Commissioner​

|term_start3=1944​

| term_start3=1944​

|term_end3=1946​

| term_end3=1946​

|preceded3=James Reilly​

| preceded3=James Reilly​

| birth_date=October 18, 1905​

| birth_date=October 18, 1905​

| birth_place=Linden, Cass County, [[Texas]]​

| birth_place=Linden, Cass County, [[Texas]]​

| occupation=[[Business]]man​

| occupation=[[Business]]man​

| spouse= Margaret Moos Fant (1909-2009)​

| spouse= Margaret Moos Fant (1909-2009)​

|children=Clyde Fant, Jr. (born 1934)<br>​

|children=Clyde Fant, Jr. (born 1934)​

John Frank "Jack" Fant (born 1937)​

John Frank "Jack" Fant (born 1937)​

| religion=[[Southern Baptist]]​

| religion=[[Southern Baptist]]​

|footnotes='''Notes''': <br>

|footnotes='''Notes''': <br>

(1) In the first of his five nonconsecutive terms as [[mayor]] of [[Shreveport]], [[Louisiana]], Fant was among four mayors from the [[United States]] invited to [[The Hague]], [[Netherlands]], in 1948 for the World Conference of Mayors, an occasion which rendered him national attention.​

(1) In the first of his five nonconsecutive terms as [[mayor]] of [[Shreveport]], [[Louisiana]], Fant was among four mayors from the [[United States]] invited to [[The Hague]], [[Netherlands]], in 1948 for the World Conference of Mayors, an occasion which rendered him national attention.<br>​

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(2) During his long mayoral tenure, Fant had been expected to run for governor or lieutenant governor, but he never did so.​

(2) During his long mayoral tenure, Fant had been expected to run for governor or lieutenant governor, but he never did so.​

==Background==

==Background==

Clyde Fant was a native of Linden in Cass County in east [[Texas]]. He was one of six children of Mr. and Mrs. John Preston Fant. John Fant was a cotton gin owner and a one-time Texas state representative. Clyde Fant graduated in 1925 from the former Marshall (Texas) College, now East Texas Baptist University. He taught school for a year in Blocker, a since abandoned community near Marshall in Harrison County. He then worked for a [[lumber]] company in East Texas and was thereafter associated with Southwestern Gas and Electric Company. He was an executive with Interstate Electric Company, with seven years of service with the firm, when he was transferred to Shreveport.<ref name=fantremembered>{{cite web|url=http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Fant&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=11&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GSsr=41&GRid=41118253&df=all&|title=Our History: Early Image of Clyde Fant discovered|author=John Andrew Prime|publisher=''The Shreveport Times''|date=March 30, 2015|accessdate=March 30, 2015}}</ref>​

Clyde Fant was a native of Linden in Cass County in east [[Texas]]. He was one of six children of Mr. and Mrs. John Preston Fant. John Fant was a cotton gin owner and a one-time Texas state representative. Clyde Fant graduated in 1925 from the former Marshall (Texas) College, now East Texas Baptist University. He taught school for a year in Blocker, a since abandoned community near Marshall in Harrison County. He then worked for a [[lumber]] company in East Texas and was thereafter associated with Southwestern Gas and Electric Company. He was an executive with Interstate Electric Company, with seven years of service with the firm, when he was transferred to Shreveport.<ref name=fantremembered>{{cite web|url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/47475144/clyde-edward-fant

|title=Our History: Early Image of Clyde Fant discovered|author=John Andrew Prime|publisher=''The Shreveport Times''|date=March 30, 2015|accessdate=October 9, 2019}}</ref>​

Fant was married to the former Margaret Moos (1909-2009); they had two sons, Clyde E. Fant, Jr., Doctor of Theology (born 1934), a [[Southern Baptist]] [[clergy]]man and author of the "Great Preaching" series, and John Frank Fant (born 1937), an [[attorney]] in Texas.<ref name=fantremembered/>​ Dr. Clyde Fant Jr., is a former pastor in [[Ruston, Louisiana|Ruston]] and former professor of preaching at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary] in [[Fort Worth]], Texas. He is professor emeritus at Stetson University in DeLand in Volusia County, [[Florida]].​

Fant was married to the former Margaret Moos (1909-2009); they had two sons, Clyde E. Fant, Jr., Doctor of Theology (born 1934), a [[Southern Baptist]] [[clergy]]man and author of the "Great Preaching" series, and John Frank Fant (born 1937), an [[attorney]] in Texas.<ref name=fantremembered/>​ Dr. Clyde Fant Jr., is a former pastor in [[Ruston, Louisiana|Ruston]] and former professor of preaching at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary] in [[Fort Worth]], Texas. He is professor emeritus at Stetson University in DeLand in Volusia County, [[Florida]].​

In 1946, Fant did not seek a full term as utilities commissioner but instead ran for mayor, under the city's then commission form of [[government]]. Sam Caldwell, the incumbent mayor, had run unsuccessfully against Davis for governor in 1944. Fant was elected to a four-year term and reelected in 1950.​

In 1946, Fant did not seek a full term as utilities commissioner but instead ran for mayor, under the city's then commission form of [[government]]. Sam Caldwell, the incumbent mayor, had run unsuccessfully against Davis for governor in 1944. Fant was elected to a four-year term and reelected in 1950.​

In the 1952 gubernatorial race, Fant supported the successful candidate, Judge [[Robert F. Kennon]] of [[Minden, Louisiana|Minden]], who prevailed over another jurist, Carlos Gustave Spaht, Sr. (1906-2001) of Baton Rouge.<ref>"Over 400 attend Bob Kennon rally Tuesday," ''Minden Herald,'' February 8, 1952, p. 1.</ref>\

In the 1952 gubernatorial race, Fant supported the successful candidate, Judge [[Robert F. Kennon]] of [[Minden, Louisiana|Minden]], who prevailed over another jurist, Carlos Gustave Spaht, Sr. (1906-2001) of Baton Rouge.<ref>"Over 400 attend Bob Kennon rally Tuesday," ''Minden Herald,'' February 8, 1952, p. 1.</ref>

Fant did not seek a third term in 1954, and the position went to his fellow Democrat [[James C. Gardner]]. From 1954 to 1958, he was the president and general manager of the insurance agency, Fant, Chase, and Kline.

Fant did not seek a third term in 1954, and the position went to his fellow Democrat [[James C. Gardner]]. From 1954 to 1958, he was the president and general manager of the insurance agency, Fant, Chase, and Kline.

In 1958, Fant decided to seek a return to the mayoral position. By a wide margin in the Democratic [[primary]], he unseated Gardner, who was closely identified with more "progressive" politics. Fant pledged to lead Shreveport to greater heights in the 1960s than had already been accomplished. Fant won again in 1962, and he was unopposed for his fifth, and as it turned out final, term in 1966.​

In 1958, Fant decided to seek a return to the mayoral position. By a wide margin in the Democratic [[primary]], he unseated Gardner, who was closely identified with more "progressive" politics. Fant pledged to lead Shreveport to greater heights in the 1960s than had already been accomplished. Fant won again in 1962, and he was unopposed for his fifth, and as it turned out final, term in 1966.​

[[Republican Party|Republicans]] began to gain strength in Shreveport in the middle 1960s, but no Republican challenged Fant in any of his elections. A group of Republicans tried to convince then GOP State Chairman [[Charlton Lyons]], to challenge Fant in 1966. Lyons politely declined to wage a mayoral campaign, after having lost races for the [[United States House of Representatives]] in 1961 to [[Joe Waggonner]] and for governor in 1964 to [[John J. McKeithen]]. Fant did not seek a sixth term in 1970, in part because of health considerations. He was succeeded by the outgoing public utilities commissioner [[Calhoun Allen]]. George W. D'Artois continued as public safety commissioner, a post to which he was elected in 1962, in the new Allen administration; Donald Edgar Hathaway, later the Caddo Parish sheriff, was elected public works commissioner in 1970.​

[[Republican Party|Republicans]] began to gain strength in Shreveport in the middle 1960s, but no Republican challenged Fant in any of his elections. A group of Republicans tried to convince then GOP State Chairman [[Charlton Lyons]], to challenge Fant in 1966. Lyons politely declined to wage a mayoral campaign, after having lost races for the [[United States House of Representatives]] in 1961 to [[Joe Waggonner]] and for governor in 1964 to [[John J. McKeithen]]. Fant did not seek a sixth term in 1970, in part because of health considerations. He was succeeded by the outgoing public utilities commissioner [[Calhoun Allen]]. George W. D'Artois continued as public safety commissioner, a post to which he was elected in 1962, in the new Allen administration; [[Donald E. Hathaway]], later the Caddo Parish sheriff from 1980 to 2000, was elected public works commissioner in 1970.​

The long-term public works commissioner, [[H. Lane Mitchell]], whose service began in 1934 and paralleled most of Fant's tenure,  had resigned in December 1968, amid what developed as an embarrassing theft scandal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leagle.com/decision/19711060246So2d814_1915.xml/STATE%20v.%20MITCHELL|title=''State v. Mitchell''|date=May 3, 1971|publisher=leagle.com|accessdate=June 14, 2014}}</ref>​

The long-term public works commissioner, [[H. Lane Mitchell]], whose service began in 1934 and paralleled most of Fant's tenure,  had resigned in December 1968, amid what developed as an embarrassing theft scandal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leagle.com/decision/19711060246So2d814_1915.xml/STATE%20v.%20MITCHELL|title=''State v. Mitchell''|date=May 3, 1971|publisher=leagle.com|accessdate=June 14, 2014}}</ref>​

===Mayoral accomplishments===

===Mayoral accomplishments===

Fant was credited with maintaining racial calm in Shreveport during the late 1950s and early 1960s at the height of the [[civil rights]] movement, when a majority of the city's voters were [[segregation]]ists. Fant instituted municipal programs aimed at uplifting black citizens, including slum clearance. By the time that he finally left office in 1970, nearly 7,500 dwellings had been rehabilitated, and another 2,000 were demolished. Fant's successor, [[Calhoun Allen]], continued such outreach to the black community, but racial resentments continued for decades.​

Fant was credited with maintaining racial calm in Shreveport during the late 1950s and early 1960s at the height of the [[civil rights]] movement, when a majority of the city's voters were [[segregation]]ists. Fant instituted municipal programs aimed at uplifting black citizens, including slum clearance. By the time that he finally left office in 1970, nearly 7,500 dwellings had been rehabilitated, and another 2,000 were demolished. Fant's successor, Calhoun Allen, continued such outreach to the black community, but racial resentments continued for decades.​

Under Fant, an area along the Red River was developed as the site of the Shreveport Convention Center and Civic Center complex. Later the popular Clyde Fant Parkway brought regular joggers, walkers, and bicyclists into the Riverfront area. The acclaimed R.S. Barnwell Memorial Garden and Art Center was also established when Fant was mayor but faced closure in 2014 became of financial problems. Other projects in the Fant years included the Shreveport-Barksdale Air Force Base bridge, the Jewella-Milam Street connection, the Youree Drive extension, and the Southern Avenue and Spring Street viaduct.​

Under Fant, an area along the Red River was developed as the site of the Shreveport Convention Center and Civic Center complex. Later the popular Clyde Fant Parkway brought regular joggers, walkers, and bicyclists into the Riverfront area. The acclaimed R.S. Barnwell Memorial Garden and Art Center was also established when Fant was mayor but faced closure in 2014 became of financial problems. Other projects in the Fant years included the Shreveport-Barksdale Air Force Base bridge, the Jewella-Milam Street connection, the Youree Drive extension, and the Southern Avenue and Spring Street viaduct.​

In 1953, Fant was selected by the LMA as "Louisiana's Mayor of the Year." The National Municipal League and 'the since defunct ''Look'' [[magazine]], moreover, named Shreveport as one of the nation's top eleven cities. That same year, Fant was the first individual to receive the Shreveport Advertising Club's annual award called "Shreveport's Best Ad," a designation given to an institution or a person who brought the city the most favorable publicity during the year. Fant was a past president of the Broadmoor Kiwanis International.​

In 1953, Fant was selected by the LMA as "Louisiana's Mayor of the Year." The National Municipal League and 'the since defunct ''Look'' [[magazine]], moreover, named Shreveport as one of the nation's top eleven cities. That same year, Fant was the first individual to receive the Shreveport Advertising Club's annual award called "Shreveport's Best Ad," a designation given to an institution or a person who brought the city the most favorable publicity during the year. Fant was a past president of the Broadmoor Kiwanis International.​

==Legacy==​

==Legacy==

The Clyde E. Fant Memorial Award for Community Service is given annually in honor of the late mayor. Past winners include [[Virginia Shehee|Virginia Kilpatrick Shehee]], the first woman to garner the honor, and Donald E. Jones, the former mayor of [[Bossier City]].​

The Clyde E. Fant Memorial Award for Community Service is given annually in honor of the late mayor. Past winners include [[Virginia Shehee|Virginia Kilpatrick Shehee]], the first woman to garner the honor, and Donald E. Jones, the former mayor of [[Bossier City]].​

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On his death, ''The Shreveport Times'' eulogized the former mayor:​

On his death, ''The Shreveport Times'' eulogized the former mayor, accordingly:​

<blockquote>​

<blockquote>​

Clyde Fant, more than any other person, was Shreveport. He poured his life into our community, and the community responded with respect and love.<br>​

Clyde Fant, more than any other person, was Shreveport. He poured his life into our community, and the community responded with respect and love. There was no more powerful force in Northwest Louisiana during the past quarter-century than Clyde Fant. Additionally, the accomplishment of the Fant years in office would rank him as one of the chief top executives in Shreveport history.

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He was a kind, gentle, [[Christian]] man, but his politics were laced with bare-knuckled toughness when he felt it necessary.​ That combination marked continuing progress for Shreveport throughout Mr. Fant's two decades of service. When he was first elected to office at the end of World War II, he inherited a city in a desperate financial condition. Using his immense personal powers, he turned the city around and left a legacy of industrial growth and quality services for Shreveport.​

He was a kind, gentle, [[Christian]] man, but his politics were laced with bare-knuckled toughness when he felt it necessary.​

That combination marked continuing progress for Shreveport throughout Mr. Fant's two decades of service. When he was first elected to office at the end of World War II, he inherited a city in a desperate financial condition. Using his immense personal powers, he turned the city around and left a legacy of industrial growth and quality services for Shreveport.<br>​

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Fant was a long-term member of the board of directors of Broadmoor Baptist Church and was chairman of the board for seven years. He taught a men's [[Bible]] class. He resided at 340 Ockley Drive in the Broadmoor neighborhood.<ref>William McCleary, "The Broadmoor Neighborhood: One of Shrevport's Older Communities," ''[[North Louisiana History]],'' Vol. XLII (Winter-Spring 2011), p. 5.</ref> Services were held at the Broadmoor Baptist Church, with the then pastor, Dr. [[Scott Tatum]] officiating. His papers are in the archives of Louisiana State University at Shreveport, a four-year branch campus which opened in 1967, six years before Fant's passing.​

Fant was a long-term member of the board of directors of Broadmoor Baptist Church and was chairman of the board for seven years. He taught a men's [[Bible]] class. He resided at 340 Ockley Drive in the Broadmoor neighborhood.<ref>William McCleary, "The Broadmoor Neighborhood: One of Shrevport's Older Communities," ''[[North Louisiana History]],'' Vol. XLII (Winter-Spring 2011), p. 5.</ref> Services were held at the Broadmoor Baptist Church, with the then pastor, Dr. [[Scott Tatum]] officiating. His papers are in the archives of Louisiana State University at Shreveport, a four-year branch campus which opened in 1967, six years before Fant's passing.​

 

Fant is interred at Forest Park East Cemetery in Shreveport. Mrs. Fant, who died in 2009 a month before her 100th birthday, is buried instead at Oakdale Cemetery in DeLand, Florida, where her older son lives. She had also lived in her later years in DeLand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Fant&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=11&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GSsr=41&GRid=41118253&df=all&|title=Margaret Fant|publisher=findagrave.com|accessdate=March 30, 2015}}</ref>​

Fant is interred at Forest Park East Cemetery in Shreveport. Mrs. Fant, who died in 2009 a month before her 100th birthday, is buried instead at Oakdale Cemetery in DeLand, Florida, where her older son lives. She had also lived in her later years in DeLand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Fant&GSbyrel=all&GSdyrel=all&GSst=11&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GSsr=41&GRid=41118253&df=all&|title=Margaret Fant|publisher=findagrave.com|accessdate=March 30, 2015}}</ref>​

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==References==

==References==

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{{reflist}}​