William Foster

William "Bill" Foster, 60, of Springfield died at 7:20 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born April 27, 1948 in Springfield, the son of Merrill and Olive Schell Foster. He married Linda Robinson on January 21, 1984 in Herrin, IL. Bill graduated from Springfield High School and received his bachelor's degree in political science from Denison University, and his master's degree in public administration from the University of Illinois - Springfield. He held various state government positions, including Director of the House Democratic Appropriations staff, and Deputy Comptroller. In 1987, he founded the government relations firm William S. Foster & Associates, and was co-founder and co-owner of Boone's Saloon. Bill was active in community affairs having served on the Capitol Township Board of Trustees, the Springfield Park Board, the board of the Springfield Airport Authority, and the board of the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame. He was a founding member of the Capitol Area Sports Commission, and assistant treasurer of the Illinois Association of Park Districts from 1979-1983. He coached youth basketball and soccer for 10 years and served as official scorer for SHG Girls Basketball and Volleyball from 2000-2004. He was a life member and past president of the American Business Club. He served as tournament chairman from 1989-1990, vice president of the board of directors in 1991, president of board of directors in 1992, and chairman of the board of directors from 1994-2001 for the LPGA State Farm Classic. From 1996-2001 he served on the LPGA Tournament Sponsors Association in various capacities. He was an accomplished writer and published several articles and booklets for the Taxpayer's Federation of Illinois. He is preceded in death by his parents. Bill is survived by his wife, Linda of Springfield; daughters, Shannon (husband, Wes) Woodruff of Sugar Land, TX and Jennifer Foster of Springfield; son, Christopher Foster of Springfield; grandson, Jack Woodruff of Sugar Land, TX; sister, Phyllis (husband, Scott) Baecker of Cromwell, CT; his nephews, Bill and Mike Baecker; two aunts, and three cousins. Family will receive friends from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. A memorial ceremony will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at Panther Creek Golf Course at the 18th green, Springfield. Friends and family will be able to park on the street in the Panther Creek neighborhood. Please arrive at the Main Entrance to Panther Creek (Veterans Parkway) and advise Springfield Police of your attendance for Bill's ceremonies. Staff members will be at the main entrance to direct guests to the 18th green. Guests are advised to arrive by 8:30 a.m. to allow time to walk to the 18th green. Private family interment will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to the Foster Family Children Education Fund, US Bank, 205 S. 5th, Springfield, IL, 62701, or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 651 W. Washington Blvd, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60661.