Senior Master Sgt. Robert W. “Bob” Foster is now in heaven with his family. He died on May 9, 2018. Bob was born on January 22, 1938 in Vernon, TX to Roger Samuel and Elizabeth “Betty” Foster, and grew up in Denison, TX from the time he was in 4th grade. Prior to that the family lived in several places, with his Dad being in the Navy.
He was an avid sportsman, playing all sports and excelling in all. While in high school he joined the National Guard and then upon graduation in 1956, he joined the Navy. He was the Honor man of his company in basic training at San Diego, and received many awards throughout the years. He pitched on the softball team while on the USS John R. Perry ship. After six years, being honorably discharged from the Navy, he transferred to the Air Force. He received a medal and citation for meritorious and outstanding service to the US Air Force by distinguishing himself in the performance of his duties during his career; the President signed the Executive Order for the presentation on Jan. 16, 1982. Bob received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Nat’l Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, AF Outstanding Unit Award, AF Good Conduct Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Combat Readiness Medal, and was a graduate of Air Force Non Com Officers Academy at Kirtland AFB, NM.
Bob traveled many different countries in his military career. He was a Vietnam Veteran, which because of the areas he was in, caused many of his health problems, one including blindness in one eye and partial in the other from the conditions they had to endure.
Bob was a man of great pride, and loved his country more than anyone could ever imagine. He donated to every military cause there was, and attended all military functions when he was able. He worked tirelessly on the Vietnam Wall when it was in Denison. Bob’s total service to his beloved country was a total of 27 years, retiring in 1981. If you have ever heard the phrase, “He would give you the shirt off his back,” he would, and probably did. His kindness, and helping anyone in need was above and beyond what most would do. Just call Bob, he will help you, was the consensus of his friends. He was totally dedicated to his loving family and was there for all of them. He was such an unselfish person and always thought of others. He donated a kidney to his brother Don, which gave him the gift of life, to live another 18 years.
Bob and Jan Medders dated for 21 years, with a romance that was full of love, dedication, and fun. They married December 15, 2012. Bob was a loving stepfather to Jan’s daughter Sami & son Christopher. When Bob’s health started to decline, Jan was a devoted caregiver and gave her all to Bob and made sure that he was kept busy going places, and doing what his health would allow when they could. Her love for him was unconditional.
Bob leaves his wife Jan Foster; step-daughter Sami; step-son Christopher Medders (Janelle) and three children of Phoenix, AZ; sister Audrey Herd; nephew Justin Herd (Chessica) and soon to be born Zayn Lewis Herd; nephew Cory Foster (Mandy) and their children Macy & Sophey, niece Alyson Trevathan (Joey) and son Coletin.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; his daughter Cindy; brother Don Foster; and brother-in-law Don Herd.
We want to thank the outstanding nursing staff at the Terrace and Guardian Hospice.
Rosary will be recited by Deacon Gary Vogel at 6:00 P.M., Sunday, May 13, 2018 at Bratcher Funeral Home Chapel. Visitation will follow the rosary.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A. M., Monday, May 14, 2018 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Denison with Rev. Stephen Mocio officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Denison.
Pallbearers will be Justin Herd, Joey Trevathan, Clarence Boyd, Horace Groff, Steve Cook and Cory Foster.
Personal condolences may be made at www.bratcherfuneralhome.com.
