Joseph Rudolph Foyt, Sr., 93, of Houston passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018 at his home. He was born in Houston on February 25, 1924 to his parents Joseph C. and Martha Holubec Foyt. He graduated from Reagan High School in 1941. He was a World War II veteran and served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Hinsdale. He was a Motor Machinist (MOMM 3rd class) and was assigned to the Higgins boat landing craft, ferrying the troops from the ships to the Islands. He was present at the invasion on Iwo Jima and Mount Suribachi. He was at Iwo Jima when they raised the flag. His ship was participating in the invasion of Okinawa, when they were struck by a "kamikaze" suicide plane and put out of commission. They then returned to the United States for major repairs. He was honorably discharged from the Navy and went back to Houston, where on September 5, 1948, he married Evelyn Marie Beeler.
They had four children. He was a machinist by trade and in 1954, Foyt & Co. commenced in his garage. Shortly thereafter it was moved to the current location where Joe Jr. is at the helm.
Joe was an active member of St. Jerome Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus 4550 and American Legion Post 159 in Bryan Texas. He was not a “sackdragger” but rather a hard-working man whose wheels were always turning. He lit up when he received an order for tool holders or when planning a trip to work at his ranch where he delighted in spraying weeds. He also enjoyed playing dominos as well as attending ship/class reunions.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marie Foyt, and four children: Beverly Foyt, Phyllis Chatman and husband, Norman Sr., Joseph Foyt Jr. and wife, Beverly, all of Houston, and Pam Estes and husband, Lindell, of Mason. Nine grandchildren: Norman Chatman, Jr., Natalie Evans and husband, Aaron, Clint Foyt, Tara Pratt and husband, Jeremy, Jeremy Estes, Adam Estes, Nicole Banks and husband, Josh, Brittany Chevalier and husband, Andrew, and Dillon Estes. Eight great grandchildren: Parker Foyt, Wyatt Foyt, Amelia Pratt, Ryan Pratt, Hunter Banks, Luke Banks, Hannah Chevalier, and Emma Chevalier. He is also survived by nieces Dorothy Tilotta, and husband, Charles, and their family, Patricia Mitchell, and husband, Tommy, and their family, many cousins, and his church family. He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Krolczyk.
Pallbearers were: Norman Chatman, Jr., Clint Foyt, Jeremy Estes, Dillon Estes, Aaron Evans, and Jeremy Pratt.
Honorary pallbearers were: A.J. Foyt, Jr., Jack Starnes, Jr., George Billetdeaux (Billydo), and Mike Gummelt.
The family extended a special thanks to his caregiver, Ralphael Olajide, as well as Dr. Patel, Dr. Morris, Dr. Cali, Dr. Jayanty and Alan Connor.
The Rosary was led by Deacon Dan O'Dowd, on Friday, February 16, at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel of Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road, with visitation to following until 8:00 p.m.
The Funeral Liturgy was celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 17, at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 8825 Kempwood Drive, with Reverend Monsignor Dan Scheel as celebrant.
Joe was buried at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, 3502 N. Main Street on Monday, February 19, at 10:30 a.m., where Military honors were rendered by members of the United States Navy and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #8790, Honors Guards.
In lieu of flowers, the family requested memorial donations in Joe's name be made to the St. Jerome Catholic Church building fund (8825 Kempwood Houston, TX. 77055) or the charity of your choice.
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