Fred Foist

Fred Foist, 74, of Panama City Beach, Florida, passed away on February 9, 2021. Fred was born in Dayton, Ohio on August 30, 1946 to Earl and Becky Foist. Fred spent his formative years in Ohio, went to hotel management school in Washington DC and spent many years working in the hotel and restaurant business in Slidell, Louisiana and Panama City Beach. Fred spent his final working years inspecting restaurants on PCBeach for the state of Florida. Fred was known for being energetic, hard-working, extremely loyal and very talkative. He was always there if someone needed help and could take charge in situations where others were wondering what in the world should be done. There was nothing he wouldn't do for a friend, his parents or for his younger sister, Becky.  He loved to dance, especially the jitterbug and he loved dogs almost as much as people. Lil' Bit, a toy poodle, was his constant companion and best buddy for many years.   When Fred's dad and later his mom suffered from Alzheimer's/dementia, Fred devoted his time to being there whenever they needed him. When his dad passed and his mom was left alone, he took early retirement and moved in to take care of her. He gave a lot of years to his parents, giving up things he might have liked to do for himself, but he never saw it as a burden. He loved his parents so much and did everything he could to make their golden years happier. Fred spent his last years in the care of the wonderful staff at Seagrass Village Memory Care. He was their first resident and loved staying up late and interacting with the staff. In the last six months, he was blessed to have VITAS Healthcare arrive to assist him as well. There were so many people who stepped in to be there for Fred when he needed it, just like he had been there for so many when they needed it. Fred never had children of his own, but he touched so many lives and will be remembered by those he loved and by those who loved him.  Welcoming Fred to his final destination will be his mom and dad, Becky and Earl Foist, along with many members of the Foist and Bechtol families. Fred is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Becky and Fred Lane, his nephews, Michael and Daniel Lane and many cousins and friends. Fred will be laid to rest at Mound Hill Cemetery in Eaton, Ohio.  To protect those left behind, there will not be a visitation at the funeral home or gathering at the burial site. Please consider sharing a remembrance or story about Fred to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to help fight Alzheimer's disease.