Dudley Gene Foster

Dudley graduated from Isaac C. Elston High School in Michigan City, Indiana. Following high school, Dudley's professional career began at Pullman Standard, a freight car manufacturer in Michigan City, Indiana. He worked there until 1964, when he accepted a transfer to the Bessemer, Alabama plant. His Pullman Standard career ended when operations closed in 1981. He continued his career at Rust International and Trinity Industries. He retired in July, 2001 after dedicating forty-nine years to the industry, with forty in freight car manufacturing.

Dudley served in the Army, entering on January 8, 1957, at Fort Carson, Colorado. He attained the rank of Specialist Four and was a Construction Draftsman. He was honorably discharged on January 7, 1959, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

On Friday the 13th, Dudley went on a blind date, and was introduced to his future wife, Margaret M. Ochotske. Together, they were the right combination, and after six weeks, married at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Michigan City, Indiana.

After moving to Hoover, Alabama, Dudley and his family became members of The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills in November, 1964. He remained a devoted member, and was actively involved for much of his life.

Dudley was known for his quiet, yet dependable and loyal nature. He was an avid reader, and would often spend hours enjoying his books. He and Margaret enjoyed traveling, and had a particular fondness for Gatlingburg, Tennessee. There they would often take long walks on the scenic trails, and enjoy the solitude and mountain scenery.

Dudley was preceded in death by his parents, Harlow T. Foster, and Goldie Ethel Foster (nee Bader), both of Michigan City, Indiana; loving wife of fifty-three years, Margaret Foster (nee Ochotske); his sister Wava Blande of Katy, Texas, and his brother Warren Foster of Michigan City, Indiana. He is survived by his daughters, Lynn McLendon (Robert) of Pensacola, Florida, and Judi Cooley (Chris) of Pelham, Alabama; Dearly loved grandchildren, Ian McLendon of Madison Heights, Michigan; Andrew McLendon and Jessica McLendon, both of Pensacola, Florida; Brother, Darwin Foster, of Michigan City, Indiana; Nephew, Jim Blande (Pam) of Katy, Texas, as well as other nephews and great nieces..

A Memorial Service will be held at The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills, 201 South Montgomery Highway, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216, on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 11:00am, with reception following.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Project HOPE at The Lutheran Church of Vestavia Hills in memory of Dudley, or a charity of your choice.

The Family would like to gratefully acknowledge the caregivers and support staff at:

SouthernCare New Beacon- Hospice

Empatia Palliative Care

Compassus Hospice

Somerby Senior Living

Your Choice Senior Care

Special thanks to the kind and caring staff at The Crossings At Riverchase, and so many who welcomed him and became friends.