Francis Hewlett Fourton, Pete, was born in Center Point TX on November 1, 1920 to Ada Richardson and Carl St. John Fourton. He passed away peacefully on September 12, 2011 with his family by his side. Pete lived his youth in Center Point and Kerrville. His descriptions of his childhood present an idyllic one where he and his brothers spent their youth wandering the Texas Hill Country, collecting arrowheads and Western relics. Pete enlisted in the Texas National Guard when he was 17 years old and later served in the US Army, 13th Depot Supply Squadron/13th Air Depot Group (1940-1945). He served in the Pacific on Biak Island. Pete was proud of his military service during WWII and was patriotic all his life. He married Edith Schellhase on October 16, 1950. Pete and Edith would have celebrated their 61th wedding anniversary this October. They lived and raised their family in Azle Texas where they have lived for 50 years. Pete worked in retail and security until both he and Edith retired. Pete was an avid gardener who would rescue and cultivate almost any tree or plant, coaxing it to grow and thrive. At the age of 75, Pete was happy to become a grandfather for the first time. He loved the time spent with his grandson, Mason, who called him Pa. While in his early 80s Pete showed signs of Alzheimer's dementia. However, with the love and dedication of his wife Edith, the support of his family, and the devotion of neighbor Shirlene Hagan, Pete was able to remain at home until the last 2 weeks of his life. Preceded in death by his parents and brothers.
Pete is survived by his wife Edith, son Richard Fourton, daughter Ellen Fourton and son-in-law Stephen Herman, and grandson Mason Fourton.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration for the support of Salvation Army and Community Hospice of Texas or the charity of your choice.
Graveside Military services will be held 11am, Friday, September 16, 2011 at Center Point Cemetery in Center Point, Texas.
