Felterman Foundation names scholarship recipients

Recipients of the Felterman Family Memorial Scholarship, awarded to Patterson High School students each year, have been announced by the Felterman Foundation.
This year’s recipients are Lainey Blanco, Dru Blakeman, Kailey Benjamin, Vincent Byrd, Gabrielle Dinger, Jarvis Mitchell and Brandon Jones.
David Felterman was born Oct. 23, 1952, and was a 1970 alumnus of Patterson High School. David was a fun-loving guy, avid outdoorsman, sportsman, and somewhat of a daredevil. He enjoyed hunting, camping, boating, fast cars, water skiing, and dirt bike riding.
While he was duck hunting on Jan. 2, 1977, hypothermia claimed his life at the young age of 24. He was working in the shipping department at Cameron Iron Works, Inc. in Patterson at the time of his death. David is the son of Fulton C. and Sylvia F. Felterman of Patterson.
 Chad Felterman was born Sept. 15, 1979, and was a 1997 alumnus of Patterson High School, graduating valedictorian of his class. He then attended LSU, where he received three degrees, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Civil Law and Juris Doctor, and Master of Business Administration. Upon graduation, he was employed by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety in Baton Rouge and later became budget services director.
He exhibited a love for life and enjoyed fishing, Mardi Gras and spending time with his family and friends, especially his niece, nephews and godchildren. On July 28, 2021, Chad passed away due to COVID 19 complications at the age of 41. Chad is the son of Danny C. and Linda B. Felterman of Patterson.
Lee Felterman was born Dec. 4, 1953, and was a 1972 alumnus of Patterson High School. After a distinguished career with Galaxie Marine Service, he founded Lee Felterman & Associates and became a highly respected boat broker.
Lee was deeply committed to his community, serving in key positions on local and state boards, including being a founding director of The Felterman Foundation. Lee was known for his vast knowledge, generosity, kindness, and enthusiasm. In his leisure time, Lee enjoyed hunting, fishing, and restoring blighted properties in Patterson.
He was an aviation enthusiast, an interest that ultimately claimed his life.
Lee died on Oct. 12, 2023, in a tragic airplane crash departing Harry P. Williams Memorial Airport. He was 69 years old and is survived by his beloved wife, Jan, his children, Erin, Ben, and Marc, and nine grandchildren.
The Felterman Foundation was organized Dec. 6, 1990, by Fulton C. and Sylvia F. Felterman. The purpose of the foundation is to receive and administer funds for scientific, educational, charitable and religious purposes.
The Feltermans provided funding for the foundation until their deaths: Sylvia in 2019 and Fulton in 2022. Beginning in 1991, and every year since, The Felterman Foundation has distributed funds to numerous worthy causes.