Joseph Rudolph Foyt, Sr.
1924-2018
Joseph Rudolph Foyt, Sr., 93, of Houston passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018 at his home. He was born in Houston on February 25, 1924 to his parents Joseph C. and Martha Holubec Foyt. He graduated from Reagan High School in 1941. He was a World War II veteran and served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Hinsdale. He was a Motor Machinist (MOMM 3rd class) and was assigned to the Higgins boat landing craft, ferrying the troops from the ships to the Islands. He was present at the invasion on Iwo Jima and Mount Suribachi. He was at Iwo Jima when they raised the flag. His ship was participating in the invasion of Okinawa, when they were struck by a "kamikaze" suicide plane and put out of commission. They then returned to the United States for major repairs. He was honorably discharged from the Navy and went back to Houston, where on September 5, 1948, he married Evelyn Marie Beeler. They had four children. He was a machinist by trade and in 1954, Foyt & Co. commenced in his garage. Shortly thereafter it was moved to the current location where Joe Jr. is at the helm.
Joe was an active member of St. Jerome Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus 4550 and American Legion Post 159 in Bryan Texas. He was not a "sackdragger" but rather a hard-working man whose wheels were always turning. He lit up when he received an order for tool holders or when planning a trip to work at his ranch where he delighted in spraying weeds. He also enjoyed playing dominos as well as attending ship/class reunions.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marie Foyt, and four children: Beverly Foyt, Phyllis Chatman and husband, Norman Sr., Joseph Foyt Jr. and wife, Beverly, all of Houston, and Pam Estes and husband, Lindell, of Mason. Nine grandchildren: Norman Chatman, Jr., Natalie Evans and husband, Aaron, Clint Foyt, Tara Pratt and husband, Jeremy, Jeremy Estes, Adam Estes, Nicole Banks and husband, Josh, Brittany Chevalier and husband, Andrew, and Dillon Estes. Eight great grandchildren: Parker Foyt, Wyatt Foyt, Amelia Pratt, Ryan Pratt, Hunter Banks, Luke Banks, Hannah Chevalier, and Emma Chevalier. He is also survived by nieces Dorothy Tilotta, and husband, Charles, and their family, Patricia Mitchell, and husband, Tommy, and their family, many cousins, and his church family. He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Krolczyk.
Pallbearers are: Norman Chatman, Jr., Clint Foyt, Jeremy Estes, Dillon Estes, Aaron Evans, and Jeremy Pratt.
Honorary pallbearers are: A.J. Foyt, Jr., Jack Starnes, Jr., George Billetdeaux (Billydo), and Mike Gummelt.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to his caregiver, Ralphael Olajide, as well as Dr. Patel, Dr. Morris, Dr. Cali, Dr. Jayanty, and Alan Connor.
The Rosary will be on Friday, February 16, at 5 p.m. at Waltrip Funeral Home at 1415 Campbell Rd., with visitation to follow until 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 17, at 10 a.m. at St. Jerome Catholic Church. He will be buried with full military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery at 3502 N. Main St on Monday, February 19, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Jerome Catholic Church building fund (8825 Kempwood; Houston, TX 77055) or the charity of your choice.