John Edward Foster

John Edward Foster, a devoted servant of Christ, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. His life was marked by faith, humility, generosity, and an unwavering love for family.

John was born in San Diego, California. Driven by a love for speed and adventure, John entered U.S. Navy Air Flight School in Pensacola, Florida, and went on to serve with honor in the United States Marine Corps, completing four years of active duty and 16 years in the Reserves, ultimately retiring with the rank of Major. After his active duty in the Marine Corps, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, from San Diego State University, a field he initially pursued professionally with the City of Fallbrook in San Diego. However, his passion for flight brought him to a second career with United Airlines. He ultimately retired as a Captain in 1995.

John’s life was deeply enriched by the people he loved. He met his first wife, Patsy Jeanne Foster, at El Cajon Boulevard Church of Christ in San Diego. Together, they raised two children: Gayle Jeanne Foster (1958–1978) and James (Jay) Douglas Foster, born in 1962. Later in life, John found love again with Sharon Foster, whom he met through mutual friends at High Pointe Church of Christ in McKinney, Texas. Sharon remained his devoted companion until his passing.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Foster; his son, Jay Foster, and his wife, Lesley Foster; his “foster kids” Laura and Wade Hastings, and Kyle and Laurie Brown; his granddaughter, Ashley Smith, along with her husband, Trey Smith; his grandsons Ryan and Grant Hastings, Kevin and Jason Brown; and his great grandsons Camden Smith, Sterling, Chandler, and Cooper Brown, and Judah Brown. He also deeply loved his numerous nieces and nephews, whom he cherished as his own children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Pickens Foster and Ruth Ball Foster; his first wife, Patsy Jeanne Foster; daughter, Gayle Jeanne Foster; and sisters Mary Belle Foster Westland and Ruth Aline Foster Reynolds.

John’s personality was a special blend of humility, gentleness, curiosity, and affability. His first love was Jesus Christ, and that love guided every aspect of his life. He was known for his intelligence, quick wit, and fierce competitiveness, especially during family games—never hesitating to outmatch even a 5-year-old in Parcheesi. He had a famously particular way of loading the dishwasher and shifting gears in his car—quirks that brought smiles to those around him.

John was also a passionate music lover. He owned many classical records and would record his favorite pieces from the radio onto cassette tapes—long before streaming music, CDs, or even the internet. A gifted handyman and carpenter, John built much of the home around him: the backyard patio, shelving in the garage, and a workbench, all meticulously done with tools passed down from his father. Though those skills didn’t pass on to Jay, they were a source of constant admiration.

Jay fondly remembers watching Laugh-In with his dad (despite his mom's disapproval), an experience that helped shape his fondness for silly humor. They’d often enjoy ice cream together—Gayle preferred a malt—and then John would have the kids walk on his back. It was a win-win: fun for them and apparently great for his back.

John always carried a small Swiss Army knife and would eagerly produce it whenever anyone was opening gifts – particularly when the presents had been wrapped with his own meticulous attention to detail. This endearing habit evolved into a cherished tradition during holidays and birthdays, and was always accompanied by his sweet grin that warmed the hearts of everyone present.

In his later years, John enjoyed the simple joys of life: solving crossword puzzles, listening to classical music, reading, playing the family card game “Once” several times a week, and spending quiet moments with his cherished Maine Coon cat, Lily, in McKinney, TX. Worship and fellowship with his church family at SoCal Church of Christ and High Pointe Church of Christ were constant sources of strength and joy.

John's legacy will be honored in a service led by Ministers Richard Shields and John Couch. His life exemplified the words of John 14:1–4, a scripture that sustained his faith and now brings comfort to those who grieve his loss:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you… so that you also may be where I am.”

Pallbearers include Jay Foster, Lesley Foster, Kyle Brown, Wade Hastings, Ryan Hastings, and Grant Hastings. Honorary pallbearers are Don Dillahunty, Mylon Osburn, Stan Rubin, and Paul Wright.

John Edward Foster’s life was a testimony to the grace of God, the power of love, and the beauty of a life well lived. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know him.