Edward Gilbert "Gil" Foresman passed away Wednesday, January 16, at his home in Starkville, Mississippi.

Gil retired at the rank of Colonel from the United States Army after 30 years of service, much of that time having been served in the Mississippi Army National Guard. Among his many awards was the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Mississippi Magnolia Medal. Everyone who knew him knew how proud he was of his military service, as he often told how he advanced through the ranks, only missing one from Private to Colonel.

There never has been, and never will be, a more avid supporter of Mississippi State. He truly bled Maroon and White. His greatest love was MSU Baseball. He was the first MSU baseball manager, and was on the 1948 and 1949 teams that won the first and second SEC Championships. Many a story was told about those teams - maybe some were a little embellished?

He is survived by his wife, Cecile of Starkville, Mississippi; two sons, Edward G. Foresman, Jr. of Marks, Mississippi, and Thomas P. Foresman of Natchez, Mississippi; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Gardner Foresman of Jackson, Mississippi.

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 18 at Welch Funeral Home with visitation 30 minutes prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made in Gil's name to:

Children's Birthday Fund
Methodist Health Foundation
Post Office Box 56050
Little Rock, AR 72115