MARTIN

Foster Martin, 93, of New Ulm, Texas, passed away on August 13, 2021, in Columbus, Texas. He was born in Houston, Texas, on November 8, 1927, the son of Etna and Foster Martin, Sr. He is a descendent of Lorenzo DeZavalla, who was the interim vice president of the Texas Republic.

Foster attended Milby High School in Houston and received his Master’s Degree from the University of Houston. After high school, he was drafted into the Army and served in General MacArthur’s Headquarters in Tokyo, Japan. Foster enjoyed eating with the General’s Honor Guard when they got off work.

Foster started teaching the sixth grade, and then in 1951, he started his coaching career. He coached at Jackson Jr. High for eight years and then went to Jeff Davis High School, where he was the head basketball coach and assistant football coach. After nine years there, he went to Waltrip High School to coach basketball, football and golf. In 1964, he coached the THSCA South all-star basketball team to victory and served as selection chairman of the 1965 all-star basketball team. He served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Texas High School Coaches Association from 1971 to 1973. Foster retired from teaching and coaching in 1986, moving to New Ulm, Texas, where he and his wife enjoyed country living for many years.

Foster was married to Lucille Voelkel for 72 wonderful years. They have three children; Karen and her husband Billy Kees, Nancy and her husband Mike Dean, and Cathy Martin. They have four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers Jesse, Earl, Robert, and Alfred.

Visitation was Tuesday, August 17, 2021, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Frelsburg. A rosary was held at 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Bob Knippenberg officiating. Rite of Committal and burial followed at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Frelsburg.

In lieu of flowers, make donations to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 1031 Church Lane, New Ulm, TX 78950.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.