Ben Foster

Ben Foster passed away peacefully at his home on May 20, 2020. He was 95. A resident of New Orleans for many years, Ben was born on September 13, 1924, in Hammond, Louisiana. The son of Thomas Rigby Foster and Juanita Wasson, Ben was the devoted husband of the late Martha Louise “Muffy” Adams for 51 years and, in later life, husband to the late Lynn Viosca. Ben is survived by his son Richard Ben Foster (Barry) and grandchildren Richard Ben Foster, Jr. (Lesley) and Elizabeth Barry Foster Matthews (Jude). Ben was the proud great-grandfather of Amy Marie (Mimi), Carlye and Summer Foster, and Lyle Barry Matthews. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their children and grandchildren. Upon graduation from Hammond High School at 16, he and a friend set out to explore California in a Model A Ford with $50 between them. Upon his return, Ben enrolled at Southeastern Louisiana College, and at 19 enlisted in the U.S. Army. Ben served in the Pacific during World War II and upon his discharge as a Sergeant First Class in the Judge Advocate General Corps, he enrolled at Louisiana State University and the LSU School of Law, graduating in 1949. Following graduation, Ben began a life-long career as a petroleum landman with Humble Oil, Exxon, General Crude, Hilliard Oil & Gas and International Paper, where he managed the largest oil & gas properties east of the Mississippi River. Ben was a past president of the Louisiana Petroleum Landmen’s Association and active in Rotary Club and various legal organizations. Ben was a member of the Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina and a past president and standing committee member of the Louisiana Association of the Society. He was an active member of numerous other patriotic organizations including the Sons or the American Revolution and the English Speaking Union. Ben was a life-long traveler. His son’s earliest memories include wonderful “road-trips” with Ben’s driver “Roberto” through Mexico in the unspoiled early 1950’s. His favorite destinations were probably Paris and Lake Como, which he visited repeatedly in the company of his wife, Muffy, and later his wife, Lynn. Ben’s other great interests were his beach houses in Gulf Shores and Ono Island. His grandchildren in particular enjoyed many great times at the beach, free of their parents control and under the congenial and light supervision of their Granddaddy. Ben will be missed by his family and many long-time friends whose fond memories of him will endure. A memorial service will be held at a later date to celebrate his life. To view and sign the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com