Hatten Earnest (Pete) Foster
Hatten Earnest (Pete) Foster of Lucedale, Mississippi, veteran of World War II, Korean Conflict, and the
Vietnam War, departed this life on March 5, 2016. Pete was the youngest child of John Dee and Minnie
Lee Reese Foster born December 4, 1925 on the family farm in the Flatwood Community, Eastland
County, Texas.
Pete married Yvonne Moffett Carter June 15, 1970 and she died April 5, 2005.
Pete was preceded in death by his wife Yvonne Moffett Carter, parents, John Dee and Minnie Lee Reese
Foster, and siblings, Ira W. Foster, Rufus Foster, Carl C. Foster, Sr., Onita Foster, Johnnie R. Foster
Hooper, and Vernon L. Foster.
Pete attended school at Flatwood and Carbon and graduated from Pine Tree, TX. He joined the United
States Navy in 1943 and served in the Pacific Theater on different Naval Ships. Pete was onboard the
Amphibious Attack Ship, Zirze in the Hawaiian Islands when he received notice that his brother Vernon
had been killed at St. Lo, France July 13, 1944. He was on board his ship in Tokyo Harbor when Japan
surrendered. His service continued with the military as a member of the United States Airforce. He was
awarded medals and commendations for his service. During the Korean Conflict on June 27, 1953,
Sargent Foster received the Medal of Heroism when he volunteered to transport a doctor and two
nurses to the Akma Sukuoka Prefecture Japan to assist in the rescue of villagers trapped by flood waters.
He served during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War retiring from active duty in 1965 as a Military
Policeman with the USAF. Following his retirement from the USAF, Pete went to work for Scott Paper,
as a Security Guard. He retired with 20 years of service. Pete loved baseball and played on military
teams during his years of service. During baseball season, he could be found in front of the television
cheering his favored teams.
Pete is survived by four nieces and one nephew and their families: Bonnie J. Foster Lem of Houston, TX,
Mary L. Hooper Smith of Midland, TX, Gloria J. Hooper Oliver of Odessa, TX, and Beth Hooper Gesch and
husband Bill of Odessa, TX and Carl C. Foster, Jr. of LaCrosse, WI. He is also survived by his adopted
family of Dodie Smith, her son and daughters, and grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Sigler Funeral Home, 4248 Main Street, Lucedale, MS 39452 was in charge of arrangements.