J. Foster Elder

SERVICES: Memorial graveside services will be at 10:30 AM Friday, November 11, 2005, at Fairview Cemetery, with Rev. Jeff Taylor, pastor of the First United Methodist Church, officiating. Cremation and arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.BIOGRAPHY: Dr. Elder was born on October 24, 1918 in Avery, Texas. He attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas where his accomplishments included election to the presidency of the SAE fraternity, and earning the starting quarterback position his senior year.After injuries sustained in a serious automobile accident derailed a planned professional football career, Foster attended medical school. He earned his MD with the first graduating class of Southwestern Medical School in Dallas in 1944.Dr. Elder proudly served in the Army medical corps in the European Theater during World War II. There he met Rae Royall, whom he married on October 3, 1946 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Wartime service was followed by surgical training at Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth. At the completion of his medical training in 1948, Dr. Elder moved his family to Pampa and established his medical practice. He tirelessly served Pampa residents for over 40 years, earning the love and admiration of his patients. Dr. Elder was a member of the American Medical Association, the Texas Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Practice, and was a former member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club. He was a Methodist. During his retirement, Dr. Elder's attentions were occupied by his passion for golf and by his cow and calf operation near Mobeetie, which his family referred to as "Foster's Folly." Dr. Elder is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rae Elder; his children John, Stacey and Janice; his grandchildren Jessica, Melissa, Tyra, Ann, Beth, Helen and Margaret; and 5 great-grandchildren.MEMORIALS: to a favorite charity.