Kendal Irwin Foster, MD

Kendal Irwin Foster, MD was born in Mobile, Alabama on October 4, 1954, to Dr. Maynard V. and Alma W. Foster. A devoted husband, father, family member, and friend, he peacefully transitioned to eternity on December 21, 2024.

A renowned physician, his compassionate care touched the lives of countless patients and colleagues for over four decades. Throughout his years of practice his wisdom, knowledge, and experience helped to advance the practice of medicine, and the impact he made will last for generations.

Kendal was not only a dedicated physician, he was also a skilled musician and passionate lover of the arts and outdoors. He was a gifted musician whose extraordinary artistic ability was apparent from an early age and evident throughout his life. Whether he was holding a cello or guitar, or sitting down to play the piano, he found joy in immersing himself in the cultural richness of art and music.

An avid water skier and boating enthusiast, he cherished his time on the water, where he gained both peace and adventure. Whether he was enjoying the serenity of a calm river or the thrill of water skiing, these moments brought him immense happiness and a sense of freedom. His love for life’s simple pleasures and his adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by those who shared these passions with him.

His talent and brilliance were evident at an early age. Kendal attended elementary school in Mobile and Interlochen Arts Academy in Northwest Michigan. While at Interlochen, he perfected his talents as a gifted cellist. At the age of 13, he began high school at Murphy High School. He graduated from Buxton High School in Williamstown Massachusetts.

After high school Kendal attended Connecticut College then transferred to Talladega College where he graduated in 1977. While attending Talladega he met the love of his life, Michelle Andrews, who brought him excitement and joy. They married in 1978 after his first year at Meharry Medical College and remained together for 41 years. Their true love cultivated a connection and bond that went beyond the superficial. They had a complete understanding of each other’s core values, beliefs, and life goals. Their connection created a sense of companionship where they both knew they were on the same team working towards their dreams.

Kendal and Michelle’s love is a reminder that true love is rare; we can only hope to find it once in a lifetime. Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Their union produced great civic, professional, and artistic accomplishments, but their most treasured gifts were their three devoted children, Kendal Irwin Jr., Michael Andrew, Kelli Michelle and their son in love, Reginald Makerson.

With the support from his devoted wife, Kendal graduated from Meharry Medical College in 1981 and began his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hurley Medical Center/Michigan State University from 1981 to 1985.

In 1980, while still in medical school, Kendal founded the IgG Band with fellow medical school students, he also served as the band’s lead guitarist. The IgG Band’s success was attributed to their original sound--that combined soul, funk, and disco. Michelle, a talented soprano, was featured on some of their songs.

Kendal was a distinguished obstetrician and gynecologist serving the Mobile community and the state of Alabama for 40 years. His practice emphasized a patient-centered approach to personalized care, the prevention of infant mortality, and serving the underserved in the community. In addition to maintaining a successful medical practice, he was an adjunct professor at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine for over 20 years, where he enjoyed mentoring future physicians and helping to improve medical outcomes. His medical career was marked by excellence dedicated to women’s health and wellness.

He was affiliated with Springhill Memorial Hospital, Mobile Infirmary Hospital, Providence Hospital and University of South Alabama Hospital.

Above all, he was a beloved husband, father, and friend, whose kindness, integrity, and dedication will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of healing and his unwavering love for his family will forever remain in our hearts.

Kendal was active in numerous professional organizations most notably, Chairperson Alabama Baby Coalition case review team, National Medical Association.

He was active civically and socially through several organizations including: The Delta Iota Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity (Charter Member), Order of Mardi Gras Maskers Inc. (Charter Member), a Honey-Do of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and Connecting Link of The Links, Incorporated. He was a proud ‘Degan’ and a devoted alumnus and supporter of Talladega College. A patron of the arts, he supported The Mobile Ballet and enjoyed performing in and with local bands.

Kendal was preceded in death by his loving wife of 41 years Michelle Andrews Foster; his parents, Maynard V. Foster MD and Alma W. Foster and his brother Maynard V. Foster, Esq.

He leaves to cherish his memories, legacy, and three children: Kendal Irwin Foster, Jr., Michael Andrews Foster and Kelli Michelle Foster (Reginald, DDS) Makerson; three grandchildren, Kendal Irwin Foster, III, Ava Grace Foster, and Lewis Foster Makerson; grand-puppy Buddy; two godsons; Kerry Bush Jr. and Julian Little; two nieces and a nephew; Kathy Treadwell, Lindsey Harding, and Billy Treadwell; a host of cousins; Barbara Foster Glaude, Julius L. (Angelica) Foster, Raymond (Faye) Foster, Cleta Foster (Alton) Burns, Marvin Foster, Bernadette Jackson (Michael) Small, Tilda Foster, Fran Foster, Sandra Foster Watson, Ray Olivet Richardson, Kim Washington, Lisa Washington, Keith Hylton, Kevin Hylton, William Miller, and Crystal Kelly; three sisters-in-law; Johna Andrews Treadwell (Garold), Lillian Andrews Ponquinette, and Dr. Sharon Andrews (Stanley) Gray; and a multitude of friends, both near and far.