Ector Co. TX - Obituaries from the Odessa American Online Submitted by Sonny Hall shall@balista.com Thanks to the Odessa American Online http://www.oaoa.com/ ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/ *********************************************************************** OA Online Obituaries. Permian Basin Obituaries Copyright © 1999-2002 Odessa American. All rights reserved =========================================================================== Saturday, November 23, 2002 Permian Basin Obituaries John Lance Foster MIDLAND - John Foster, husband, father, brother and friend passed away after a brief illness at Medical Center Hospital on Nov. 21, 2002. He was 60 years old. John had worked in the broadcast business for 43 years. He started at KMID-TV in April of 1959. Working his way from studio camera operator up, he moved into the Production Manager’s position at the young age of 26 and was managing the station within a few years. After taking over the reins at KMID-TV, he took the station to the No. 1 position. In 1991, John moved to KWES-TV as General Manager, where he repeated his track record taking that station to No. 1 within a record-setting time. Two years ago, KWES welcomed a sister station, Telemundo West Texas. As General Manager for Telemundo, he provided the first Spanish-language newscasts in West Texas. Recently, the Midessa Television Group also purchased LaLey Radio station. As a consultant for the station, John changed the format to Spanish language and continued his winning record when the radio station rolled out No. 1 in its first ratings book. John loved people and constantly sought to improve the lives of others. He served as Chairman of the Permian Basin Private Industry Council with over 10 years on the board. In 1991, he won a national award for outstanding business volunteer for excellence in community service. He was endorsed by the Governor’s office for leading a media campaign to find jobs for workers laid-off from Home Savings Association. He was founding sponsor of the Golden Apple Awards recognizing teachers who work with at-risk students. A life-long lover of auto racing and a race car driver himself, John was instrumental in the development of the Chaparral Wing of the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum which will house Jim Hall’s race cars. He also owned Twin Cities Speedway. John won the "Heritage of Odessa Community Statesman Award" for excellence in community service, and under his direction, KWES-TV won the 1996 Texas Associated Press Bonner McLane Public Service Station of the Year. He also won the 2000 Silver Medalist Award from the Permian Basin Advertising Federation for dedication to advertising in West Texas and service to the community. The station was named the W.D. Noel Volunteer Group of the Year for 2001-2002 for its commitment to children. NewsWest 9 has been honored with several School Bells from the Texas State Teachers Association, Silver Apple & Golden Viddys from the National Association of Broadcast Journalists, and the prestigious NEA’s award for the Advancement of Education Through Broadcasting. Just last week, John was honored with the John Foster Humanitarian Award by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. This award was designed to be presented to future recipients who exemplify John’s commitment to helping others and carry on his legacy. Just some of the boards and organizations he served with were the Midland and Odessa United Ways, The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, The Midland and Odessa Chamber Board of Directors, The Odessa College Rodeo Program, The SandHills Hereford and Quarterhorse Show and Rodeo, Theater Midland’s Board of Directors, Junior Achievement, The Odessa Chuckwagon Gang, The Texas Association of Broadcasters, and The National Association of Commerce Board of Directors. Under his leadership, the stations produced telethons for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, Easter Seals, The Permian Basin Blood Bank, Children’s Miracle Network, The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Jaycee’s Christmas Auction and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin’s Development Board. He created the United Way "Bid the Basin" and was the first in the country to produce a telethon for the Ronald McDonald House. For 14 years, the NewsWest 9/Salvation Army Toy Drive has helped raise thousands of toys for West Texas children. Foster has been instrumental in developing and supporting groups and projects like Invest in a Vest, UTPB’s 4-year status, Buy West Texas First, Buy the Basin, Multiple Sclerosis, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Diabetes Association, March of Dimes, Special Olympics, Battered Women and their Children, Rape Crisis Center, Permian Basin Aids Coalition, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Centers for Women and Families, Confederate Air Force, Monahans Wagon Train Festival, Pecos Rodeo, Septemberfest, Celebration of the Arts, Hoopla and many more. Prior to the development of Telemundo and LaLey radio for West Texas, John Foster was a Pioneer in broadcasting for the Spanish speaking population of West Texas and developed television programming such as Mexico Tejano, Colores Del Barrio and Telemusica featuring Hispanic entertainment interest, as well as educational programming. John was born in Bridgeport, Conn. He attended school for a short time at Crockett Junior High and Odessa High School before moving to the valley and finishing school in Harlingen, Texas. John was preceded in death by his son, John Lance "Johnny" Foster II, and his parents, Johnie "Jack" and Amalie Foster. John is survived by his devoted wife, Linda Foster of Midland; a sister, Nancy Mettler of Woodbridge, Calif.; two sons, Matt and Sean Clements, both of Houston; a daughter-in-law, Sarah; and a nephew, Anthony Mettler stationed at Warner-Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. There are no words that can truly describe the love John’s family, friends, and co-workers had for him. He was a teacher, a supporter, a giver, and most of all, a friend. The entire Permian Basin will feel his loss. It is with fond remembrance that we celebrate his life. Visitation will be held between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, 2002, at Ellis Funeral Home. Funeral services have been scheduled for 1 p.m. Monday, November 25, 2002, at First Presbyterian Church in Midland with Dr. Jerry Hilton officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, 801 Andrews Highway, Midland, Texas. Pallbearers will be Rick Wood, Richard Esparza, Chuck Cooper, John David, Johnnie David Jr., Gary Rogers, Jay Watson, Todd Newman and Darrel Newman. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Odessa College Rodeo Program, where a scholarship is being set up in John’s name, or to any of the above organizations, which meant so much to him. Louine Graham ODESSA - Louine Graham passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2002, at Medical Center Hospital. She was born in Temple on Aug. 6, 1936. She was a graduate of Odessa High School and received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Scott and White Hospital. She later served as Director of Nurses for Permian General Hospital in Andrews for five years. Until the time of her death, she was employed as an RN supervisor for Outreach Health Services. Louine was preceded in death by her father, the Rev. Jimmy Dolan, a founding member of Immanuel Baptist Church; her mother Nell Rector, and her brother, Jimmy Dolan; and sister, Pat Fox. Survivors include her husband of 40 years, David Graham of Odessa; her daughter, Natalie Leach and husband Jason of Odessa; her son, Russell Graham and wife Alicia, and their 7-week-old daughter, Lia, of Texarkana; her brother, Don Dolan and sister, Marianne Crane, both of Odessa; and numerous nieces and nephews. Above all, Louine was a kind and caring person. She received her greatest enjoyment from helping others, be they her family, friends or those under her professional care. She constantly sought to improve the lives of those around her. By all who knew her well, Louine will be remembered as a quiet, loving woman. Although gentle in nature, her absence signals the departure of a graceful and vibrant spirit. It is with fond remembrance that we celebrate her life. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at Sunset Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Andy Philpott officiating. Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. Jimmie G. Sledge Jimmie G. Sledge, 55, passed from this life on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2002. Jimmie was born Dec. 28, 1946, in San Antonio to Leon Sledge and Nina Cate Sledge. He grew up in Commanche and was a graduate of Cooper High School in Abilene. He also attended Cisco Junior College and Abilene Christian University. He came to Odessa in 1970 and was a member of Church of Christ. He was employed by Compressor Components. After a courageous battle with cancer, our beloved dad, son, brother and friend to many, passed away at Hospice House in Odessa. Dad touched many with his thoughtfulness and his wonderful sense of humor. He never complained and always put others first. He will be greatly missed, but his smile and laughter will live on forever. Jimmie is survived by his son, Sean Sledge and wife Amy of The Woodlands; his daughter, Jennifer Sledge Connell and husband Jeffery of Odessa; a friend, Joyce Sledge of Odessa; his sister, Glenda Hillis of Odessa; parents, Leon and Nina Sledge of Odessa; two grandchildren, Chandler Connell and Kalie Sledge; best friends, Gayle Godfrey and Rosemary Mawhiny; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2002, at Sunset Memorial Chapel. The Rev. Burt Groves will be officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice House in Odessa. Arrangements are entrusted to Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999-2002 Odessa American. All rights reserved.