MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2017 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Dearing, Barnett, Burton, Clarke, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), McMahan
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE CONDOLENCES OF THE LEGISLATURE AND RECOGNIZING THE COLLEGIATE SPORTS CAREER OF DELTA STATE UNIVERSITY FIVE-SPORT STAR ATHLETE FRED A. FOSTER OF NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI.
WHEREAS, Delta State University Sports Hall of Fame Athlete Fred A. Foster of Natchez, Mississippi, passed away on January 5, 2017; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Foster was born August 7, 1931, in Natchez, the youngest son of John and Martha Foster. He was a 1949 graduate of Natchez High School, a 1954 graduate of Delta State University, and completed graduate studies at Auburn University in 1968. He was a star athlete through high school and college, lettering in five sports at Delta State, followed by a coaching and officiating career through the 1980s; and
WHEREAS, Fred Foster was inducted into the Delta State University Sports Hall of Fame in 1976. Fred lettered in football, basketball, baseball, track, and tennis for the Statesmen, and he set numerous records; and
WHEREAS, the speedster played quarterback for the Delta State Football Team in 1950 and 1951, while setting the Delta State University record for most touchdown passes scored in a single game (four). He also held track records in the one-mile and two-mile relay and tied the high-jump record. During baseball season, Fred played pitcher, shortstop and outfielder and earned a career-batting average of .356. Fred was a standout tennis player as well. He was the No. 1 singles player in 1952 and 1953; and
WHEREAS, Fred Foster was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Claude Foster; and double first cousins, Helen Foster and Jack Foster. Survivors include son, West Foster (Katie); daughter, Allison Foster; three grandchildren: West Foster, Jr., (Kristin), Anna Margaret and Ben Foster; two great-grandchildren, Logan Foster and Barrett Foster; mother of his children, Billie Ann West Foster; brother, Charles Foster; double first cousin, Louis Foster; along with a number of nieces, nephews and friends; and we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of a most public-spirited citizen, Coach and Mississippi athlete who will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have experienced his skills and leadership:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby extend the condolences of the Legislature and recognize the collegiate sports career of Delta State University Five-Sport Star Athlete Fred A. Foster of Natchez, Mississippi.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Fred Foster, forwarded to the President of Delta State University, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.