A memorial service for Fred Alonzo Foster, 85, who died Thursday, Jan. 5, 2017, at Merit Hospital Natchez, will be 12:00 PM, Saturday at United Methodist Church in Meadville, followed by a family gathering at the church.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Franklin Funeral Home in Meadville.

Mr. Foster was born Aug. 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.

Mr. Foster was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Claude Foster; and double first cousins, Helen Foster and Jack Foster.

Survivors include one son, West Foster and wife, Katie, of Natchez; one daughter, Allison Foster of Vidalia; three grandchildren, West Foster Jr., Anna Margaret and Ben Foster, all of Natchez; mother of his children, Billie Ann West Foster of Vidalia; one brother, Charles Foster of Mobile, Ala.; great-grandchildren, Logan and Barrett Foster of Natchez; double first cousin, Louis Foster of Natchez and a very special friend, Madalene Carter of Meadville along with a number of nieces, nephews and friends.