Hobart "Hobie" Lester Foster, Jr.

 Hobart “Hobie” Lester Foster, Jr., 95, of Gallipolis, passed away Wednesday evening, January 26, 2022, a few months shy of his 96th birthday, in the Holzer Senior Care Center. Born April 4, 1926 in the Northup community of Gallia County, he was the son of the late Hobart and Retha Elliott Foster and brother to late Vivian Caldwell, Virginia Cremeens, and Margena Johnson. During WWII, Hobie served in the US Army and was stationed in France and Belgium. At that time, he developed a very high regard for the French people, especially Mr. Guillaume Auger of the Chateau les Genets. This friendship lasted their entire lives and continues 3 generations later through the family of Guillaume’s nephew.

After the war, Hobie worked for Trans World Airlines in Kansas City, MO where he met and married Carol Albers. They moved back to Gallipolis in 1955 to manage the Mobil Red Horse Service Station on Rt. 35 for the next 32 years. Never one to sit still, Hobie ‘retired’ from Mobil to work for Holzer Medical Center and Gallia Auto Sales until he was 89. Hobie was known for his full head of white hair, dry wit, practical jokes, and Bloody Mary Sunday morning get-togethers. He enjoyed playing the organ and attending pipe organ concerts, refinishing antique furniture, and making wine labeled Chateau de Hobe. He obtained a single engine pilot’s license and loved to travel with his good friend George Kotalic. His most cherished trips were jet skiing around Key West with George when he was in his 80’s, and returning to France to see his French friends.

Hobie is survived by his children LuAnn Foster, Jill Foster, and Jack (Nokey) Foster; 3 grandsons Grant Foster, Josh Fitzpatrick, and Justin (Lindsey) Fitzpatrick; 2 great-grandchildren; and many devoted nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Hobie’s wishes there are no calling hours or funeral service. Private interment will be in Mound Hill Cemetery. The Cremeens-King Funeral Home is serving the Foster family.

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