In Hammond, Indiana on March 31st, 1952, Albert Carl and May Francis “June” Martin welcomed their first born son, Emmett Debose “Danny” Foster and 3 years later his baby brother Norman. Danny passed away peacefully on 15 November 2017, at St Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
During his first few years the family lived in Northern Illinois and Indiana until he was 7 years old when his dad reenlisted in the Army. His father returned from Viet Nam in 1968 moving the family to Geissen, Germany. In his teens, he played drums in a band with his Dad, Uncle, and brother all over Germany. During these years he enjoyed meeting many new friends, playing football and Music. When the Fosters transferred to Bitburgh, Germany Danny attended Bitburg High School and became best friends with Rick Held – little did he know that Rick had an older sister who was vacationing with her friend in the London area at the time. One day when Danny went to visit Rick his world changed, Karen answered the door and he knew he had met the love of his life.
Danny & Karen were married on May 6th, 1971, in Valparaiso, Indiana. He teased that he had a marriage license before a driver’s license or high school diploma. They lived in Gary, Indiana having 3 children while he worked in steel mills, as a longshoreman, and played music in bands around the Chicago area.
In 1975 Danny suffered a hemothorax while working at the Port of Indiana, so they decided to move to Montana near Karen’s family. Danny fell in love with the western life style, ranching, farming, calving, hunting, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, fishing, canoeing, motorcycling – anything outdoors made him happy as a clam and he cherished sharing these experiences with his family and friends.
Music continued to be huge love in his life after moving to Montana. He played rhythm guitar and sang tenor with the Westernaires in the Clyde Park/Livingston/Wilsall area. He was a member of the Masons serving as the Worshipful Master of Ottawa 51 lodge. In general, he enjoyed all aspects of life-playing card games, board games, dice, dominoes, etc., but if there was a campfire, you could bet that Danny and Karen would be playing and singing with family and friends. Danny was a true “people person” that never met a stranger and welcomed everyone into his heart and home.
Emmett is survived by his wife of 46 years, Karen and children-his son Christopher of Denver, daughter Angel (Lance) Raffferty of Billings, and daughter Tanja (Shawn) Herlihy of Colorado Springs, his Grandsons Stephen (Jessica) Herlihy, Derrick (Brittney) Herlihy, Shawn J. Herlihy, Collin Herlihy, his granddaughter Kira Everly Herlihy and great grandchildren, Nathan, Avrie and Xander with another due in February. He is also survived by his Brother Norman (Patty) Foster of Michigan City, their daughters Samantha, Cailtlyn, and Dakota, his in-laws, James, Wilma, Richard (Lisa) and William Held of Clyde Park, and many others from the east to the west coast – all of whom were very special to him.
He was preceded in death by his parents Albert and June Foster, his sister-in-law and her husband, Kathy and Russell Hall along with his niece Heidi Hall and several other aunts, uncles and cousins.
Services will be held November 22, 2017 at the Mountain Family Fellowship Church at 6145 N. Montana Ave in Helena with a public viewing at 10 am, a short Masonic Service at 11 directly followed by a public service and reception. In Lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted to offset the medical expenses.
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Sherri Staats says
I am truly sad to read of the nice man’s passing. I have known him for many years when he came into my office for his license. He was kind to me and always has a kind word and a hug for me. May he rest in peace with our Lord. My prayers to Emmett’s family.
Christie Stewart says
Emmett lived life to the fullest. I remember going to their home as a kid. I remember when Christopher was a baby and Emmett, Karen and Christopher would come to our house for mom to cut his hair. I thought they were so cool because they drove a Camaro. On one of these visits, Christopher fell on our sidewalk and got a nasty knot on his head. Last summer we got to visit with him and Karen and Norman and other family members at the camp ground near us. We had the best visit. Miles seperate our family, but we are always close in heart. I love all of you and wish I could be there for his services. I will be there in spirit as I hold each if you up in prayer. God’s Blessings on all.
Jennifer Corbett says
Danny was a wonderful man that was like a father to so many of us. I have so many memories of being at their home with Angel. I was always welcomed with open arms to join in with whatever was going on at the moment……joining them for a meal, playing games, listening to music or just hanging. Even after all of us were grown and had gone our own ways Danny always gave me a huge hug every time I saw him. My heart is with Karen, Chris, Angel, Tanya & the rest of your family:heart::heart:
Jay Gullon says
Emmett was one cool dude. I will always remember our laughs and love for music. Emmett was nice to everyone he met. Rest In Peace buddy.
Dale Gamble says
Danny was one of my best friends and the best neighbor I’ve ever had. It’s going to take a long time for me to realize he is gone. As I told Karen yesterday, every time I open my back door to let the dog out, I automatically look to see if Danny might be doing something in his back yard. I am thankful, however, that his pain and suffering is now over. He was a special kind of guy. My prayers for Karen will continue.
Ashley Vance says
Dan would want us smiling, so this is my contribution to that effort. Around a fire many decades ago, I was begging him to play “Dock of the Bay,” but he kept telling me how hard of a song it was. After many cocktails and some more pestering, he decided to play me a song that he wrote himself. It was entirely comprised of the phrase “F*** You” to a melody he created. For years, he sang it to me any time I asked him for something. Literally. It could be, “I’ll take two cards” or “Can you pass me the cup?” He razzed me better than anyone I’ve ever known. This photo was taken in January during a medical hurdle. Despite his physical battle, Dan always kept a smile on his face – always looking for a way to make everyone around him laugh and smile. I’ll definitely miss him.
Kathy Skinner says
Danny was such a wonderful person! Iï¸ have many fond memories of Sunday’s playing cards, watching nascar and football. God now has another musician in his heavenly band.
David Barcroft says
I moved to Helena the fall of ’98. Met Dan at the mall while I was signing up for the Lawman 1000 charity ride. The starting point for Helena riders was Great Falls. As I was entering the lobby of the hotel in Great Falls the evening before the ride – the first person I met was Dan. He remembered me and invited me to ride with a group of his family and friends. As a group, we did the ride 2 years in a row along with a lot of other rides for burger runs, poker runs, and just to ride. It was a pleasure to share so many good times with Dan and Karen and the extended “family”. I treasure the gremlin bell he gave me for a new bike in 2000. Ride in Peace Dan. Wishing his family courage and strength as they deal with a new reality. He will be missed …..though he lives on in those he touched.