Fred Memnon Foster

Fred M. Foster, M.D., beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away January 17, 2025, at his home of 56 years in Dallas. Born Phidias Efaistides of parents Memnon and Anastasia Christou in Morphou, Cyprus on July 12, 1931. He passed away after a valiant battle with brain cancer on January 17, 2025. He immigrated to the United States of America and Dallas, Texas in 1946. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School at the age of sixteen and from Southern Methodist University three years later with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. In 1955, Fred received his Medical Degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. During medical school, he worked many long hours as a lab technician at Methodist Hospital of Dallas as well as other strenuous jobs. Upon graduation, he served a rotating internship at Methodist. He then spent two years in the United States Army in Korea with the rank of captain.

Upon his return, he completed a two-year residency in anesthesia and joined the staff of Methodist Hospital of Dallas. He became a board-certified anesthesiologist in 1961. Fred was in the private practice of anesthesia for thirty years. While at Methodist, he met his future wife, Marsha Hurst. They were married 59 years in December 2024 and lived in their present home 56 of those years.

After his retirement, he was able to have a home in his beloved homeland, Cyprus which he enjoyed with his family. He encouraged his children to learn Greek by taking lessons when they spent summers there. One granddaughter has chosen to live and study in Cyprus. All his children and grandchildren have visited Cyprus numerous times and have made wonderful memories there.

Fred was a prolific and master gardener following in the footsteps of his father and passing his talent on to his son. He also enjoyed hunting which he did with his son and father and friends. He was renowned for his culinary prowess, being known for Orthodox Easter celebrations at his daughter and son-in-law’s home featuring roast lamb and all the traditional Greek dishes.

Fred is survived by his wife, Marsha, one daughter Anastasia (Stacie) and her husband James Thomas, and their daughter, Anna Kathryn; one son, Dr. Jason Fred Foster and his wife, Desiree Pletz Foster and their three children, Lindsey Marena, Avery Sophia, and Brandon Andrew. The family would like to thank the caregivers of Family Tree Private care, especially Vivika and Autumn and the nurses and caregivers at Freedom Hospice especially Greg and Nikki.

A Trisagion for Fred will be held Thursday, January 23, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 13555 Hillcrest Rd, Dallas, TX 75240. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.