A memorial service for Fate L. Webster, 88, of Decatur, will be held Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 3:00 PM at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Decatur with Rev. Frederick “Tripp” Brogdon, III, officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the church.
Mr. Webster died Wednesday, June 7, 2023. He was born August 25, 1934, in North Carolina to Columbus Booth Webster and Lula Jane Austin Webster.
After a distinguished career in the U.S. Airforce, Mr. Webster retired as a Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) after 30 years of service. He served in various places around the world, including six years at the Pentagon with the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was a two time recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross award, and received five Vietnam Service medals, and fourteen air medals.
Following his military career, he started a new career with the Boeing Co. His last major assignment was with the International Space Station as a Systems Test Engineer, retiring in 1995. Mr. Webster served in many roles in the Hartselle community including as president of the Chamber of Commerce and in the development of Earth Park. He was also instrumental in the restoration of the historic Hartselle Emporium (now the Freight House Restaurant). He was an active member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Webster was preceded in death by his parents, his late wife Millie Fortune, and eight brothers and sisters.
Survivors include his wife: Linda Webster, his children: Douglas “Marty” Webster, Christopher Eugene Smith (Paula); Amy Webster Carlson (Troy), Denise Smith Richardson (Stan); four grandchildren: Jason Carlson, Hayden Richardson (Katerri), Hunter Richardson, and Madison Smith; and three great grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
