George William Fouts

George William Fouts, longtime resident of Haskell, Texas, passed away Sunday morning, March 8, 2015 at the age of 97. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at the First Baptist Church in Haskell with Rev. Dusty Garrison officiating. Burial will take place immediately following the services at Willow Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes. Visitation is planned for Tuesday evening, March 10 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home located at 304 North Second Street.

He was born in Haskell on December 14, 1917, to John Elijah and Georgia Mae (Taylor) Fouts. George attended Haskell schools and graduated in 1936. He went on to attend Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University). During these years, he worked as a bellhop at Hotel Lubbock to put himself through college. On June 22, 1941, George married Helen Mabel Baldwin of Haskell and the young couple began their married life in Fort Worth. They soon moved to Wichita Falls where George worked for Western Electric as a telephone switchboard installer. In May of 1943, George was inducted into the United States Army and served with the Army's Signal Radio Intelligence Company in England, France and Germany. George was awarded the EAME Campaign Medal with two Bronze stars and Good Conduct Medal before his discharge in December, 1945. After the war, George and his family returned to Haskell to go into partnership with his dad at Fouts Dry Goods. George spend the next 37 years running the business until his retirement in 1983.

George was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church. He taught Junior High boys in Sunday School for 35 years, and later was a member of the Business Men's Bible Class. George and Helen split their Sundays between the Baptist Church and the First Christian Church, where Helen was a life-long member. They managed to faithfully attend services and activities at both churches throughout their 67 and a half years of marriage. George was also active in the business community. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce for many years and held the office of Chamber President. He was active in the Lion's Club and in 2009 was honored by area Lion's for 60 years of service as a member of that organization. At that time, George told those present that he had loved the Lion's Club and the members through all those years.

George loved people and never met a stranger. He is remembered by many for his happy disposition. He also loved Haskell and often said it was the best place in the world, and he couldn't imagine living anywhere else. Throughout his life, George lived out his love for the Lord, his family, and his home.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen; his brother, John E. Fouts, Jr., and his parents, John and Georgia Fouts.

George is survived by three children, George William Fouts, Jr. (Bill) and wife Susan of Mission Viejo, California, Betsy McManamon of Haskell, and John Fouts and wife Bonnie of Haskell; seven grandchildren, Nathan Fouts and wife Forteen, Allison Fouts, Sarah Oliver and husband Matt, Meg Petty and husband Lee, Lyle Fouts and wife Kelly, Dan Fouts, and Tom Fouts; eight great-grandchildren, Nic Fouts, Angela Oliver, Nolan Oliver, Tanah Petty, Ty Petty, Law Petty, Gage Fouts, and Lexy Fouts; one nephew, Jack Baldwin and wife Janice, and one niece, Pat Wees and husband Ken.

Memorials can be given in George's name to First Baptist Church, 301 North Avenue E, Haskell, Texas, 79521, or the charity of your choice.