Obituary of Dr. John J. Foster

FosterJohn Rev. Dr. John J. Foster We would like to celebrate the life and career of Rev. Dr. John J. Foster. He was a loving husband, a caring father, and dedicated minister in the Congregational Church [United Church of Christ] for over forty years. While there is a profound sense of loss and sadness at his passing, we chose to remember him as a man of deep faith who shared his wisdom and understanding with those of us fortunate enough to have known him. Dr. Foster was born January 11, 1916; he grew up during the Great Depression Buckhannon West Virginia. Dr. Foster graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan, Class of 1938 and from Yale Divinity School. He began his career as an associate pastor in Brooklyn New York where he was ordained in 1941 and married his childhood sweetheart, the late Alberta Neille Shaffer, also from Buckhannon. Over the next forty years he would find special challenges in each church that he served across the country, the West Parish Church in Bethel, Maine, the First Congregational Church in Easthampton, Massachusetts and the First Congregational Church in Melrose Massachusetts. In the 1960's, Dr. Foster was called to a church in San Jose California; it would also be the longest time he would spend in one church (16 years). Finally, as his career reached its final stages, he was called to Sun City, Arizona to serve the First Congregational Church. It would be the largest congregation he ever served (more than 2500 people). He would serve briefly at the Desert Garden Congregational Church in Sun City West and as an interim minister in Point St. Luce Florida. He retired in 1982. Dr. John J. Foster died on Monday morning August 11, 2008 at 6:16 am after a severe stroke. All those who knew him will miss him and it will leave a profound silence in all our lives. Dr. John Foster is survived by his sons; James and his wife Debra, Thomas and his wife Lourdes, and three special granddaughters; Denise, Nicole, and Shannon. A special grandson, Brian Foster preceded him in death. He was the son of the late Rev. John T. Foster and late Rosa Drummond of Buckhannon. He was preceded in death by four sisters; Stacy Foster Hoffman, Beryl Foster Powell Knight, Frances Foster Kelbaugh, and Frona Foster Abbott. He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, William Drummond Foster and Robert Nelson Foster. Dr. Foster is the last surviving member of his immediate family. Dr. Foster is also survived by many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 16, 2008 at Desert Garden Congregational Church, 18818 N. 128th Ave., Sun City West, AZ. Menke Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am. Saturday, September 13, 2008 at Heavener Cemetery, in Buckhannon. Graveside Services Saturday, September 13, 2008 10 AM