Robert C. Foster

Robert “Bob” Charles Foster, of Rogers, was born on October 23, 1938. He passed away at age 81 on Friday, March 27, 2020 at Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, following a battle with multiple health issues, including cancer. He was born in Columbus, Ohio to Joseph and Ruth Foster.

He is survived by his wife, Arlene; son, Mark and daughter-in-law, Michelle; brother, Tom Foster; two granddaughters, Marisa Eckley and her husband, Dakota, and Megan Jones and her husband, Hunter; one great-grandchild, Millie Mae Jones; three brothers-in-law, two sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Additionally, Bob and the Foster family considered Warren and Mary Day, along with their children, Justin Day and Jessica Perry, and their spouses, Toni Day and Josh Perry, and grandchildren, as family. He regarded Mary as his daughter and she was a tremendous blessing to him and the Foster family, particularly by caring for him during his ill health.

Bob grew up in Columbus, Ohio and worked in his family’s photography store. He attended Ohio State University and joined the U.S. Navy. He later served in the National Guard.

He went on to become Vice-President/General Manager of Akron Coca-Cola and then President of Tulsa Coca-Cola.

He was a Sunday School Class teacher, choir director, and Gideon. He later became an ordained Southern Baptist minister, pastoring several churches in Oklahoma and Arkansas.

In 1990, he became the Chief Executive Officer of The Elna M. Smith Foundation, which is responsible for several landmark museums, constructing the Christ of the Ozarks Statue, as well as, founding The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs, Arkansas: https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/entries/elna-m-smith-foundation-6224/

He also earned two doctorates from Andersonville Baptist Seminary. He later became a business consultant and managed Sonic restaurants in Florida while being an interim pastor. Bob finally retired at age 78.

Bob’s love for Jesus and others personified his generosity. His unconditional love made him incredibly loyal and devoted to his family and friends. He had an attitude of gratitude despite his circumstances, even when in hospice only days away from passing.

He was very thankful for all the caring staff at The Benton County Dialysis Center, as well as, the doctors and nurses at Mercy hospital in Rogers and Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville. His family would like to thank you for all you did.

During his time at hospice, he enjoyed listening to his favorite hymn, “It Is Well With My Soul.” He told his son, Mark, shortly before going into hospice, “Thanks to eternal life in Jesus, I will see you again one day.”

Services will be held at a later date.