Clarence Foster, Sr.

Clarence was predeceased by his parents, two sons: Clarence Foster Jr. and Timothy Dewayne Foster; one brother, Claude Jones; five sisters: Sarah Jones, Madeline Johnson, Lydia Johnson, Amanda Reverie and Ethel Atkins.

Clarence received his education at Father King School in Forest City, Arkansas. During World War II, when our nation asked “who will serve who will go” Clarence answered the call and joined the United States Navy. He graduated from the US Navy Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois in July, 1943. His assignments included: Pleasanton, California, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Millington, Tennessee. Clarence received an Honorable Discharge in 1946 and relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana where he had relatives.

Clarence was affectionately known as “Slim” among friends and “Granddaddy” and “PaPa” among his grandchildren. One summer while visiting Forest City, his cousin Lucille introduced him to Mary Earline Woodard. Clarence immediately knew Mary Earline would be his wife. On November 11, 1951, Clarence and Earline were united in Holy Matrimony. To their union was born eight daughters and three sons.

As a young man, Clarence joined the Triumph Church of God, Indianapolis, Indiana. As a member he played the guitar for the church and worked faithfully in whatever capacity needed. Clarence was baptized in 1968, at Zion Tabernacle Apostolic Church, Indianapolis, Indiana, under the pastorate of the late Elder G.C. Mills and late Bishop Joseph Farris. Clarence loved his church and was a faithful Sunday school teacher for many years.

One memorable Sunday school lesson Clarence made a “Crown of Thorns” for his Easter Sunday class. His students and adults alike were in awe that he made the crown. Another memorable occasion was when he sang “The Holy City” accompanied by Sister Jeanette Sprawl on the organ. It was a beautiful recital and the church congregation stood to their feet but Clarence said, “To God be the glory.”

Clarence later joined Revival Temple Church under the pastorate of Dr. Bishop Willie Duncan. Clarence lent his help to many, many, churches in the city. He donated organs, pianos, clocks, purchased equipment, and succeeded many roles to contribute to the “Kingdom of God.”

Clarence was employed at the International Harvester and then Hygrades Meat Company (formerly Kingans) as a Backhoe operator. While employed there he taught himself auto mechanic skills. Clarence fulfilled his post-military goal of being a mechanic and opened his own business. He was the successful proprietor of Foster’s Garage for over 40 years.

He taught his sons Clarence Jr. and Larry auto mechanic skills. Clarence employed his wife and children in the family business. He also hired other non-family and taught them auto mechanic skills.

Clarence would donate free or reduced mechanical services to his church and church members. He had a big heart and would help anyone he could sometimes to his detriment. He never met a stranger. One of his sayings was, “you never put your foot on a man’s neck when he’s down.” He would also say, “there’s nothing wrong with falling in the mud, it’s a problem when you choose to continue to stay in the mud.” Clarence had a natural wit for humor and would keep you “cracking up”.

Clarence was an extremely gifted and multi-talented person. His skills included cooking, canning, sewing, quilting, and playing jacks. His various musical talents were playing the harmonica, piano, organ, guitar, and violin. Also, he thrived skillfully to reupholster furniture, refinish furniture, and build furniture. However, Clarence’s most enjoyable pastime was reading, history; listening to gospel music and opera. His favorite composers and artists were Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Mahalia Jackson, and Diane Bish. Clarence had a passion for clocks and books. Over the years, he amassed an extensive and unique collection of mantel, grandfather, grandmother clocks, and history books. His love of clocks and history books inspired others to become collectors. Clarence loved Biblical scripture and often played Bible Trivia with his family.

Clarence loved antique cars and was the proud owner of two Model T Fords. On a Sunday afternoon, Clarence could be seen out and about in his Model T Ford.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend. He was a wonderful example of faith, hope and charity. As he became gravely ill, Clarence never complained and continued to pray for his family. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Clarence touched the lives of everyone he knew.

Mr. Clarence Foster Sr. departed this life on November 8, 2015 in his home surrounded by family. Mr. Clarence Foster Sr. is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Earline; son, Larry Lee Foster; daughters, Barbra, Helen, Carolyn, Rosalind, and Laverne Foster; Katherine (Kenny) March; Shirley (Fonz deceased) Harris, Paula (Rockland) Lay; eight granddaughters, Barbra Stewart, Kelly Liggans, LaTonya Foster, April Worlds, Jennifer Hall, Dominic Lay, Victoria Swanson, Paris Pyle; nine grandsons, Michael Davis, Timothy Mullin, Larry Foster Jr., Jason Foster, Jeremy Chandler, Jermaine Chandler, Stanley O’Neal Jr., Aaron Foster, Isaiah Lay; three sisters, Elder Willa B. Angel, Mrs. Laura King, Ms. Margaret Jones; three brothers, William Jones, Jimmie Jones and Walter Lee Smith; brother-in-laws, Linnell Woodard (Billie),Winston Woodard (Ruby Jean), JC Woodard, Jesse Woodard; sister-in-law, Lorraine Franklin, cousin, Mrs. Lucille Erwin; Special nephew, Mr. Sterling Atkins Jr.; 30 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

Clarence Foster, Sr., 89, Indianapolis, passed away on November 8, 2015. Clarence was a World War II Navy Veteran and was a retired, self employed Master Mechanic. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Foster and Minnie Peacocks; sons, Timothy Foster and Clarence Foster, Jr. Clarence leaves to cherish his memory, loving wife, Earline Foster; children: Larry Foster, Barbara Jean Foster, Shirley Ann Foster-Harris, Katherine March (Kenneth), Rosalind Foster, La Verne Foster, Carolyn M. Foster, Rev. Paula J. Lay (Bishop Rockland Lay) and Helen Foster; siblings: William Jones and Walter Lee Smith and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, other relatives and friends.