John Foster

John Foster

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 16, at Assumption Catholic Parish, for John C. Foster, 90, who passed away on April 13, 2011.

John Clyde Foster, Jr. was born February 28, 1921 in Merkel, Texas to John Clyde Foster Sr. and Mabel Hodge who preceded him in death. John spent his childhood in Abilene, Texas where he learned the art of aviation at the tender age of 14. In his youth, he excelled in athletics, as a Golden Gloves Boxer and also as a keen observer of practices in the motion picture theater business. Later, he would coown and operate several theaters with his family in the region.

He loved to fly and got his official pilots license in 1939. When World War II broke out, John joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and in 1942, he was made an instructor at Gibbs Field, Ft. Stockton, Texas. Later he spent time at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, and in 1944 he was sent overseas to the ChinaBurmaIndia theater. There he was attached to Air Transport Command and made numerous flights over the Hump from China to Burma which is recognized by airmen as some of the most treacherous of the war. He was proficient in a number of aircraft types and while in the CBI, he flew C54s for cargo and C109s, which was a B24 conversion designed as a tanker to carry aviation fuel. He later flew P51s in air to ground attacks in Burma as well as many other fighter aircraft on transport duty. John was awarded a number of distinguished citations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal.

John demonstrated great love for people. He never met a stranger and had innumerable friends. John coached numerous Little and Senior League baseball clubs. His first ministry was serving recovering alcoholics through Alcoholics Anonymous, many of whom lived in the family home during their recoveries. He never turned down a request for a loan and always extended a helping hand.

John is survived in death by his loving wife, Claudette Foster daughter Rene Gwyther and her husband Brad stepdaughter Lisa Mach and her husband Bill Donahoe sons Dennis and, J.K. and his wife Phillipa, Bert and his wife Melissa, and Justin and his wife Stacie and grandchildren, Heather, Brent, Toby, Aja, Paige, Iric, Allison, Braden, Quinlan, Jessica and Ryan and extended family and friends.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Ed Kruse, Dr. Jerome Dominic, Holt Priddy, Sonny Laird, Wally OKelley, Hayden Fry, Sammy Nesmith, Bryan Overstreet, Carl Madeley, and Jeff Weathers.

The family expresses sincerest thanks for the support and prayers for John and his family in both Life and Death.

Immediately following the Memorial Service, the family invites you to celebrate Johns life at a reception in Assumption Parish Hall. John will lie in state at Ballard Funeral Home from 8:00 7:00 Friday and 8:00 11:00 Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Area, District or World Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous the Community Foundation of Chaves County Angel Fund.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard Funeral Home and Crematory. An online registry can be accessed at www.ballardfuneralhome.co,

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88202
Friday, April 15, 2011
8:00 to 7:00 pm

Service

Memorial Service

Assumption Catholic Church
2808 N. Kentucky
Roswell, NM  88201
Saturday, April 16, 2011
1:00 pm

Memorial Contributions

200 E. Van Buren St.
Roswell, NM  88203


Roswell, NM  88201