Dr. John Robert Foster

Some will remember John Foster as their favorite college professor, as their inspirational minister, as the realtor who sold them their home, or as their capable Army officer. Dr. Foster wore all of these hats at once, and he wore them with grace and skill. But most of all, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. John Robert Foster, Ph.D., was born on April 30, 1948, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to John M. and Jane Ann Foster. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from Northwestern State University; a master’s degree in Religious Education from Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University; and a doctorate in Speech Communication from Louisiana State University. Retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, he taught speech communication courses for 25 years as a professor at Northwestern State University. He was also a real estate agent with Cane Heritage of Natchitoches and a Methodist minister serving five congregations: Beulah United Methodist Church, Marthaville Methodist Church, Oak Grove United Methodist Church, Provencal United Methodist Church, and Weaver United Methodist Church. Dr. Foster is survived by his wife of 49 years, Maye Morrow Foster of Natchitoches, and by his son John A. Foster and wife Jennifer of Tower Lakes, Illinois; daughter Mary Foster of La Porte, Texas; daughter Emily Deshazo and husband Nolan of Seabrook, Texas; and son James Foster and wife Sunny of Anchorage, Alaska. He is also survived by his brother Rick Foster and wife Susan of Shreveport; brother Randy Foster and wife Leigh of Mineola, Texas; sister Barbara Bates of Murphy, Texas; sister Debbie Quadracci of Mineola, Texas; and sister Becca Busick and husband Gil of Denison, Texas. Grieving the loss of their beloved grandfather are Nicholas, Alexander, Maiya, Emmersen, Adilyn, Carson, Henry and Audrey. A service to honor his life will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at The First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches with Rev. Doug de Graffenried officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow at Oak Grove Methodist Cemetery in Natchitoches. The family will receive friends from 5 pm until 8 pm at The First United Methodist Church of Natchitoches Crossroads Sanctuary on Monday, November 28, 2016. In lieu of floral tributes, donations in Dr. Foster’s name may be made to the Louisiana Methodist Children’s Home, Post Office Box 929, Ruston, LA 71273 or to the Dr. John Foster Scholarship Fund c/o NSU Alumni Association, 535 University Parkway, Natchitoches, LA 71497.