John William Foster

John was born on September 4, 1945, in Warsaw, Missouri, to John Luther Foster and Lydia Muriel (Ash) Foster.

In September 1964, John was drafted into the United States Air Force, where he proudly served his country for 20 years before retiring in 1984. While stationed at McConnell Air Force Base in Wichita, Kansas, he met the love of his life, Franceen (Seals) Foster. The two were united in marriage on October 17, 1965, and together they raised two children.

Following his military career, John pursued higher education with remarkable dedication, earning four degrees in just three years while working full time: Associate of Art in Electrical Power Systems from the Community College of the Air Force; Associate of Arts in General Studies from Columbia College; Associate of Science in Management from Columbia College and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Columbia College.

Service to others was a defining part of John’s life. He was deeply involved in civic organizations, including the Abou Ben Adhem Shriners, the Masonic Lodge, and the Sunrise Optimist Club.

Beyond his professional and civic commitments, John found joy in the outdoors. He loved fishing, hunting, camping, and woodworking, passions he shared with family and friends.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Michelle Nittler (Bob) of Hallsville and John L. Foster (Jean) of St. Joseph; brothers, Jim Foster of Sedalia, Melvin Foster of Aurora, CO, and David Foster (Susan) of Ashdown, AR; grandchildren, Justin Nichols (Rachael), Stephen Nittler (Morgan), David Nittler (Josie), Caitlin Tucker (Mitch), Hannah Cain (Chris), William Vore, and Marissa Deming (Hunter); seven great-grandchildren, Bristol, Patton and Quinn Nichols, Beau Nittler, Lily Cain, Henley Vore, and Nathan Deming; as well as many other beloved family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Franceen, and his sisters, Edith Gann and Barbara Sisco.

John will be remembered for his devotion to family, his commitment to service, and his love of nature. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the example he set.

Visitation will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia Missouri 65202. Funeral services will follow at 2:30 p.m. with Pastor Michael Kauffman officiating at the funeral home. Interment with full Military Honors will take place afterwards at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia Missouri 65202.