Bedford F. Foster Jr.

Just as an airplane soars into the sunset, so completes the long farewell of Bedford F. Foster, Jr. who passed away on March 6, 2017. His wife, Beverly, and grandchildren were with him, celebrating his life with prayers, music, laughter, and tears.

Bedford was born in Melbourne, Florida, on November 16, 1928, to Bedford Sr. and Muriel Ashley Foster. He earned a B.S. in Engineering from SUNY, University at Buffalo, and participated in a Senior Executive Management program at MIT. Bedford was a licensed Professional Engineer in Ohio and Texas.

A lifelong engineer, Bedford enjoyed a distinguished career in the steel industry. Bedford was President of Regal Tube Company in Chicago, IL and President of Ohio Steel Tube Company in Shelby, OH. He served on the Board of Directors of Copperweld Corporation in Pittsburgh, PA. Highly-regarded by colleagues throughout the steel industry, Bedford’s career gave him the opportunity to travel the world and to live in various states. Bedford and his family relished living in the small town of Shelby, OH. Bedford finished his career as a Vice President with Lone Star Steel. Lone Star brought Beverly and him to Dallas, where they resided for nearly 38 years. In Dallas, they met lifelong friends and thoroughly embraced the Texas lifestyle.

Bedford was a consummate family man, who adored Beverly, his wife of 67 years. He took pride in his children and grandchildren, and was passionate about their accomplishments.

Bedford was also a man of many talents. He was a painter who also enjoyed history, good music, and sports. A licensed private pilot, Bedford spent many hours flying his Piper Cherokee. He will be remembered for his wit, warmth, and the example that he set as a man of integrity, dignity, and compassion.

Bedford was a veteran of the Signal Corps in U.S. Army where he earned an Expert Medal for marksmanship. He also served in the National Guard.

Bedford is survived by his loving wife, Beverly; his three children Kevin, Kimberly Miller (Gary), Greg (Loretta); and grandchildren Marisa, Ian (Emily), Erin and Veronica. Bedford is also survived by his brother, Wm. David Foster (Sandra), and sister, Suzi Foster Beavers. Sadly, his brother, James Benny Foster (Annie) passed away in Manila, The Philippines, on the same day – March 6, 2017.

A memorial service will be held for Bedford at The Spring Valley United Methodist Church, 7700 Spring Valley Road, Dallas 75244, on March 16, 2017, at 2:00 P.M. Memorial contributions may be made to Dignity Texas (www.dignitytexas.com), and The Brain Support Network (www.brainsupportnetwork.org). Ted Dickey West Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Those wishing to send condolences or sign the online guestbook may visit www.teddickeywestfuneral.com.