John Foster

CAPTAIN JOHN J. FOSTERFuneral services are scheduled at 2:00 P.M., Friday, February 24, 2012 at 1st United Methodist Church for John J. Foster, age 91, who passed away on February 15, 2012. Rev. Gorton Smith will officiate.
The beloved patriarch of our family, passed away peacefully at his home in Roswell, He recently celebrated his 91st birthday on Feb. 5th 2012.
Born in Lockhart Minnesota, to James and Della Foster February 5 1921, He was the
eldest of 3 sons. His early years were spent on the farm, and while attending jr. college,
WWII broke out. He joined the Army, which soon recruited him into pilot school
training. Later it formed the armed services branch we now know as the Air Force.
Upon completion of training, he was assigned to pilot a B17 bomber, which was called
The Flying Fortress. All of the crew members were eagle scouts, before joining the
Army. They were one of the few crews to survive 50 missions into enemy territory.
Their Flying Fortress, was a no name plane, as they believed a name would bring
them bad luck.
His starcrossed path led him to meet the love of his life, Marie Crum, in Amarillo,
Texas. At the wars conclusion, he returned and they were married. Their 67th wedding
anniversary was celebrated last August. She followed him back to his roots, where
he returned to college at the University of North Dakota. Upon graduating, he was accepted into a masters degree program at West Texas State University. This led him into the education field. In 1958, he accepted a position on the faculty staff at New Mexico Military Institute. During his long career at NMMI, he taught and mentored many talented students who later became leaders in the fields of architecture, and many other productive members of society. It gave him great pleasure to watch the budding mind of a student, blossom into the gifted awakening of a young adult, as they graduated from NMMI. He also worked for the Department of Agriculture, which continued after retirement at NMMI. He also worked with the Boy Scouts for 28 years.
Being outdoors, whether working with farmers and ranchers, fishing or camping, brought him relaxed enjoyment. He looked forward each year, to Opening Day for trout fishing, and brought his family and friends with him to participate in the festivities. He also loved tinkering in his shop either fixing something, or creating a work of art with his woodworking tools. His family will especially miss all the exceptional barbeques, where he served samples prior to the dinner.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Marie Foster, children DellaTom Williams, Rosa
Ephriam Chavez, JoySammy Pearce, and John J. Foster, Jr. Surviving grandchildren are KeeleyWes Ehlers, TylerSherry Prince, Stacia Pearce, Logan Williams, and Lindsey Pearce. Greatgrandchildren are Haylee, Leylah and Luke. He is also survived by one brother, Eldon Foster Gerry and family, and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces his longtime dog and companion Zoe.
Was preceded in death by his parents James and Della Foster, one brother Duane
Foster, son James L. Foster, daughter Sandra Foster and grandson Phillip Carmen.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cowboy Bell Scholarship Fund at 1st United Methodist Church.

Service

Funeral

First United Methodist Church
200 N. Pennsylvania
Roswell, NM  88201
Friday, February 24, 2012
2:00 P.M.

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203

Memorial Contributions

First United Methodist Church
Roswell, NM  88201