H Mark Foerster

1931 - 2010

ODESSA H. Mark Foerster was born April 1, 1931, to Ernest and Hallie Bolton Foerster of Navasota, Texas. He died at home on August 12, 2010, after a lengthy illness that he valiantly fought.
Living survivors of his immediate family include Betty Byrom Foerster, his wife of fifty-seven years and love of his life; and two children, a daughter Kathy Boulton and her husband Bill of Midland, Texas; and a son David Foerster and his wife Kimberly of Colorado Springs, Colo. David is currently serving in Afghanistan. Additional family survivors are a sister, Mary Sue Pool and her husband Lloyd of Navasota, Texas; a brother, John Bolton Foerster of Claymont, Del.; a sister-in-law, Marian Hayes of Gonzales, Texas; as well as seven grandchildren, Billy, Reneé, Lakota, Chaska and Kanowa Boulton, Aiyana and husband Edward Carter and Jeanette Montgomery; seven great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death are a brother and sister-in-law, Ernest Lockett and Ruth Foerster.
Mark graduated from Navasota High School (1948) and Texas A&M College Station (1952) with a bachelor's of science degree in electrical engineering with a commission as second lieutenant. He worked for Phillips Chemical Company, Pasadena, Texas, before reporting for active duty at Camp Chaffee, Ark. He served in Korea in 1952 and retired as a captain from the Army Reserves in 1959.
After working for Phillips Chemical Company and Dow Chemical, he moved to Odessa in 1958 and worked for El Paso Products. He later joined The Ortloff Corporation, Midland, and Vinson Service and Supply, Odessa.
Mark was active as a leader in professional organizations including state president of Texas Society of Professional Engineers, national director of National Society of Professional Engineers, president of Permian Basin Chapter Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) and president of Permian Basin Instrument Society of America (ISA).
Mark was a member of Highland United Meth-
odist Church where he served as trustee, lay leader, president of Methodist Men and on various committees. In addition, Mark had numerous interests in which he excelled. He repaired cars and appliances and was trained by his father to install electric wiring. He added a den to his home, which was constructed with the preciseness of a master engineer.
He supported his children in their various activities. In their earlier years, he worked with his son David in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts and kept Kathy's horse trailer highway safe. He was an avid supporter of Mojo football. Betty and Mark could be found during football season on the 50-yard line of Ratliff Stadium. Mark will be remembered by his family and friends as a man of character. He developed an outstanding work ethic at an early age that endured throughout his life. Integrity and loyalty were an integral part of his character.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Children's Ministries, Highland United Meth-
odist Church, 1808 N. Dixie Blvd., Odessa, TX 79761; Texas Oncology, 301 N. Washington Ave., Odessa, TX 79761; or a charity of choice.
The family extends sincere thanks to Dr. Pankaj Khandelwal, Dr. Jayarm Naidu and Dr. Raja Naidu for their excellent and compassionate care.
Visitation will be Saturday, August 14, 2010, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Frank W. Wilson Funeral Home, 4635 Oakwood Drive, Odessa. A private family memorial service will be held upon the return of their son from Afghanistan. Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.