Franklin Delano Foster was born the son of Charles Smith “Bill” Foster and Mildred Spence Foster on March 6, 1933 in Mulberry, Florida and departed this life on November 1, 2016 in Thayer, Missouri at the age of 83 years.
He was united in marriage on October 29, 1955 to Ruby Louise Johns Foster, who preceded him in death on April 15, 1987. To this union four children were born. He was united in marriage on January 1, 1988 to Melba Kabrich Foster.
He is survived by his wife, Melba Foster of the home in Lithia, Florida; his children, Julia Foster and husband Robert Muehl of Robbinsdale, Minnesota, David Foster and wife Barbara of Houston, Missouri, Lisa Cates and husband Jim, and Donna Martin and husband Rick, all of Thayer, Missouri; three step-children, Steve Kabrich and wife Marilyn of Plant City, Florida, Linda Evans and husband Tim of Livermore, California, and Harry Lee Kabrich and wife Rhonda of Lithia, Florida; eleven grandchildren, Whitney Scribner, Jacob Thompson, Nathan Cates, Ashley Hanna, Leslie Underwood, Kristen White, Jessica Harper, Zeke Muehl, Luke Martin, Ty Foster, and Brandon Martin; seven step-grandchildren, Yvonne Baker, Jennifer Calkins, Nick Evans, Laura Evans, Kyle Kabrich, Courtney Davis, and Cody Kabrich; nineteen great-grandchildren, Emilee Hoemann, Richard Reese, Madison Cates, Hayleigh Martin, Chase Cates, Brayden Scribner, Dayton McCormick, Cole Cates, Ryder Scribner, Braelyn Eckman, Ayden Crampton, Hadley Thompson, Weston Martin, Canyon Harper, Brooklyn White, Liam Underwood, Brenner White, Mesa Harper, and Gideon Foster; three step-great-grandchildren, Maegan, Ashley and Amanda Calkins; one great-great grandchild, Leigha Hoeman; one brother, Raeburn Foster; four sisters, Mary Carlson, Martha Hood, Catherine Smith, and Sue Hood; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Mildred Foster; his wife, Ruby Foster; one brother, Thompkins Foster; two sisters, Mildred Brown and Lela Allen; and two infant sisters.
Franklin was a graduate of Pinecrest High School. He served in the United States Army as Sergeant, and also worked for the Borden Chemical Company for twenty years as an electrician. He moved to Thayer, Missouri in 1970 to fulfill his dream of being a cattle rancher. He was a strong Christian, serving as a deacon for many years at the First Baptist Church in Thayer, Missouri and was a member of The Gideons International. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Welcome Baptist Church in Lithia, Florida. He was an avid football fan, enjoyed sharing stories, and spending time with family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 5, 2016, at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer with Brother Brandon Martin, Brother Jared Russell, and Nathan Cates officiating.
Visitation will be Saturday, November 5th, from 1:00 PM until service time at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel.
Burial will be in the Thayer Cemetery, with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to The Gideons International, which may be left at the funeral home.
November 2, 2016 @ 10:49 pm
Mr Foster is one of the most respected men in my life. THANK YOU