M. J. Foster was born September 8, 1923, on a farm between Powderly and Reno, north of Paris, in Lamar County, Texas. After graduating from high school, he joined the U. S. Army Air Corps, serving in World War II as a mechanic on the Aleutian Island of Attu. He worked for Dow Chemical Company for over 40 years, retiring in 1987 to live in Austin and later in Beaumont. His pastimes included bowling, golf, and gardening.
He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Lucille Skaggs Foster; step-daughter, Sheila Hale and her husband Bob of Austin, TX; step-daughter, Donna Gwynn and her husband Sam of Beaumont, TX; grandson, Keane Matthews, wife Monica, sons Benjamin and Nathaniel of Concord, NC; grandson Jason Simon, wife Christy, children Cole, Natalie, and Mark all of Beaumont, TX; grandson, Dustin Simon, wife Wendy, daughter Caitlyn of Cypress, TX; grandson, Ty Gwynn, wife Kelly, and daughter Nora of Lumberton, TX; grand-daughter, Kirstie Skaggs, partner Michael Stryker, and son Jordan of Austin, TX; grandson, Jeremy Skaggs and their mother, Sue Skaggs of Austin, TX; best friend and brother-in-law, Manuel Brock and his wife Pearl of Tyler, TX.
M.J. was preceded in death by his step-son, Kenneth William Skaggs. A beloved step-parent and “Papaw” to three generations, he will be remembered fondly for his generosity, kindness, and patience.
At his request, there will be no funeral service, and his ashes will be scattered at Friday Harbor, San Juan Islands, Washington.
A family committal was held at Broussard's Crematorium under the direction of Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Harbor Hospice, 2450 N. Major Drive, Beaumont, TX 77713.
