Joe Willard Foster

Joe was born on January 3, 1940, in Wolf Lake, Illinois, to Mae Chaney Foster and John Foster. He graduated from Alto Pass Community High School and soon after moved to Kansas City, Kansas, to begin his career. Joe worked as a proud union crane operator for 31 years until the plant closed. He later continued his career with the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) as an equipment operator until his retirement.

Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably for two years before returning home to resume his work and travel with the company. On April 4, 1964, he married the love of his life, Carol Stephens. Together, they shared 61 wonderful years and raised two sons—Greg, born in New York, and Jeff, born in Michigan.

A man of many interests and talents, Joe had a passion for live theater, attending auctions, and reading western novels. He was an avid sports fan—especially of the Kansas Jayhawks—and spent many years coaching his sons’ baseball teams. He also loved spending time in his large garden, finding peace in the dirt and pride in the harvest.

Joe enjoyed hunting and was known as a sure shot, though family and friends often chuckled at his tendency to run from snakes and skunks. He found great joy in attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and was their biggest fan. He also restored and rehabbed homes—always with a grandchild or two in tow—using those projects as opportunities to pass on practical skills and life lessons. He collected straight razors and antique lanterns and could fix just about anything.

Joe will be remembered for his piercing blue eyes, warm smile that could light up any room, unwavering patience, and deep devotion to his family. He was a kind and gentle man who always put his loved ones first.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Colten Foster; four brothers; and four sisters.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; sons Greg (Suann) and Jeff (Gina); grandchildren Hunter (Megan), Dakota (Hannah), Dominic, Caden (Taylor), and McKenna Creten (Nick); great-grandson Jack; and his twin sister, Joann Flick.

A visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1086 North 94th Street in Kansas City, Kansas 66112 from 9:30 - 10:30 am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am.

A private burial will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Kansas City, Kansas at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Colten Foster; My Story Isn’t Over Yet Foundation, in honor of Joe’s enduring commitment to family and legacy of love.

Following mass, there will be a luncheon at Cider Hill Family Orchard 3341 N. 139th St (7 highway) Kansas City, Kansas 66109.