Madisonville - Arnold Perry Foster, longtime Madisonville resident, passed away at home May 13, 2026, at the age of 93. He was born in Madison County to parents Tom and Lena Foster on August 24,1932, the fourth of six children. He attended grade school in the PeeDee community, and in 1949 graduated from Madisonville High School. Arnold attended Sam Houston State Teachers College, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in 1953. After his studies, he served for 21 months in the U.S. Army. He returned to Sam Houston and earned his Master of Education in 1957. Arnold then served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in New York and Pennsylvania, helping with the production of the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Following this service, he became a high school ag teacher, working with the Hallettsville FFA. In 1967, he married Nena Flake, and they moved to Kentucky where he obtained his PhD. They raised four children, living in Illinois for a time, and then returned to Madison County. Arnold was very involved in the Farm Bureau and Madison County Fair Association, serving on the board of each. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in leadership positions. Arnold greatly enjoyed opportunities to fish, hunt, and garden throughout his life. He worked for Standley Feed and Seed for over 20 years before retiring and serving a church mission in California with his wife and serving as a church temple worker. Arnold's family includes Nena, his companion of nearly 59 years, four children, Preston (Angela), Derrold (Rachel), Lynita, and Bart (Betty), fourteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 28 from 6-8PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Madisonville. Funeral service will be held Friday, May 29 at 10AM at the same location. Burial will take place at the Jozye Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.

Arnold requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Jozye Cemetery Association or Madison County Fair Association.

Jozye Cemetery Association - Derrold Foster, 1166 CR 316 Caldwell, TX 77836

Madison County Fair Association - PO Box 1151 Madisonville, TX 77864