John Radney Foster
April 13, 1931 ~ May 9, 2008
FOSTER
John Radney Foster, 77, passed away on Friday, May 9th, 2008 at his home in San Antonio. Johnny was born April 13th, 1931 in Del Rio, Texas to Radney Foster and Mary Lou Carothers. After graduating from Del Rio High School in 1948, Johnny received his undergraduate degree from the University of the South at Sewanee, Tennessee in 1952, and graduated from The University of Texas School of Law in 1955. Johnny proudly served his country in the United States Army, both active duty and in the Reserves, from 1956-1962. Johnny entered private law practice in 1958 in Del Rio and had a long and rewarding career with Lowery, Foster and Hodge. Johnny was a true gentleman who enjoyed helping others. In addition to his private practice, Johnny served as the City Attorney, County Attorney, and a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, where he received the Judge Sam Williamson Award for services rendered to state and local bar associations. He served as past president of the Val Verde County Bar Association, past president of the Border District Bar Association, and a board member of the State Bar of Texas from 1989 to 1992.
Johnny was a member of St. James Episcopal Church in Del Rio where he served as vestryman, senior warden, junior warden, trustee, choir member and a lay reader. Johnny was a Rotarian and served as a Trustee of the University of the South and board member of the Del Rio National Bank from 1975-1989. Johnny was an accomplished golfer, tennis player, an ardent UT fan, and he loved the San Antonio Spurs.
Johnny is survived by his wife of 54 years, Bette Loise Muckleroy Foster, four children: Abby Foster Tolin and husband Brad, Radney Foster and wife Cyndi, Loise Foster Kirchner and husband Lee and Jim Foster. Ten grandchildren survive: Joshua Riggs and wife Mariah, Ben Oakley, Julien Foster, Ali and Mia Tolin, Ava and Leo Kirchner, Jackson and Maureen Foster; great-grandchildren: Rowan and Phoebe Riggs.
The reception in Del Rio will be held in the home of Nan and Bill Fritsch where Johnny and his family lived for 74 years. The Foster family would like to thank Dr. David Gordon, Dr. Carlos Hernandez and their staff at Cancer Care of South Texas for their wonderful care of Johhny. Also, many thanks to the staff of Vista Care Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Luke's Episcopal Church and School, St. James Episcopal Church and School or to the University of The South, Sewanee Annual Fund, Thompson Union, 735 University Ave., Sewanee, TN. 37383 or online at sewaneeannualfund@sewanee.edu. To leave a note for the family, please visit www.meadowlawn.net and select Obituaries. Arrangements by Meadowlawn Crematory and American Mortuary, San Antonio, Texas.
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Johnny was a kind man, a wonderful grandfather and father-in-law. Honorable and intelligent, he accepted me into the family and made every family event better for his presence. John never let any troubles of his own hinder his giving and caring for others. He was like a father to me, and I shared many private laughs and stories with him. I thank him for his daughter Loise, my wonderful wife. I will profoundly miss him, and I will have him in my heart always. Rest in peace John.
Loise, I don’t know if you remember me from high school (German Club), Becky Sifuentez. I was saddened to read of your dads’ passing. He was a kind and wonderful man, who always had a greeting and a smile when I saw him. He was so proud of you, when I lived in Del Rio and ran into him about town he always kept me up on your whereabouts. I’ve lived in Arizona for several years now so its been long time since I’ve seen him but I remember him fondly. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Please accept my condolences for your loss. I never saw Mr. Foster when he was not smiling. I know he will be missed.
I am so sorry for yall loss. When I think of Mr. Foster, I always remember fondly when his grandson Ben played soccer with my daughter Kassidy and how much he loved going to the games to support his grandson, and how much he loved his family. And he did always have a smile on his face.
Bette, Our hearts go out to you. Circumstances preclude our attendance at the memorials. Tommie & Gene
We should all aspire to be like Johnny Foster. He was a selfless, kind, and gentle person. He was also a great father. I remember our families going to Colorado together the summer that we landed on the moon. Johnny made a special point to take his son Radney fishing. I’ll never forget the image of Johnny and Radney walking up the road towards the stream with their fishing gear. Our hearts are with Johnny’s family. He will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by family and friends alike.
Bettye, Radney, Abby, Lois, & Jim, I am grieving with you and holding each of you all in my prayers. With love, Lauri
Johnny had an impact on so many lives. He moved us with his wit, generosity and his love of live. I considered him a mentor, an advisor and an inspiration. Johnny encouraged us to get involved in our community and to use our strengths to help others. One of his many accomplishments was getting the public defender program started in Val Verde County. After he left Del Rio he made himself available when I needed advice or direction. He touched my life, both professionally and personally, in ways too numerous to list. Johnny deserves to be honored. He will never be forgotten.
Although I probably knew John the shortest amount of time, I felt that in the months I helped care for him I got to know him very well. We spent many hours together sharing stories, watching movies and The golf channel and drinking ginger ale =) I knew from the first day that I had been given a very special opportunity and it didn’t take long for me to become attached to John and his wife Bette. They always made me feel like family and welcomed me into their home. I will take all John’s advice and strive to live by his example. John Foster was a one of a kind. I miss him so much already. Bette, Abby, Radney, Loise, and Jim- I am thinking of all of you. John loved you all so much and was so, so proud of you. He told me all the time. Also, please give Maggie a pat for me. I know she misses her “dad.” Love Always, Bre
Mother asked me to use my computer to send Condolences to the Foster Family on the passing of John Radney. We (Jake’s Family) have all left Del Rio now but we all remember fondly the people we grew up with and loved so much and John Radney and all the fantastic Foster Family are a part of us. Farwell to a really great Man.
Our deepest sympathy to the family. John will always be remmebered as a friend and gentalman. Playing a round of golf with John was a pleasure, he always gave it his best.
Bette, Abby, Radney, Loise & Jim, We are so sorry for your loss. Johnny was such a gentle man with a welcome and calming smile. Hold on to your great memories and know we are keeping all of you in our prayers. We are so glad we got to see you at Mother’s birthday party. God Bless, Nancy & Gary Brougham (Davis)
To the Whole Foster Family, Your husband and father was a pillar in our lives. I think alot about those “Good Old Days” when Del Rio was a “vibrant” place to grow up and we all had each other and spent time together going to social events and seeing each other literally on a daily basis. Mr. Foster was an outstanding individual who was always a positive spiritual person and I know that he will always be remembered and missed for that reason. God Bless You All and Help you during this time of loss. All of our Love and Prayers Trey, Greg, Ryan Doran and the whole Doran Family
To the family of John Foster We are sad that we didn’t get to fulfill Radney and Eric’s wish to have their fathers meet. We learned so much about John through Radney’s stories, especially last Friday night in Chicago. We are thankful to have been there to help comfort Radney and to support him as he performed with a heavy heart. We love Radney, Cyndi and their family. Radney has been a wonderful friend to Eric and to all of us. We know his loving spirit and fine qualities come from the influence of his father, mother and family. God’s blessings and our deepest sympathy to you all. Andy and Ruth Borash and family
Bette and Family: Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. John was a true friend and was always there when we needed him, always giving. He will be missed by many as he goes on ahead of us to be with our Lord. Love, Jonella and George
Radney and family: We just wanted to offer our condolences and let you know we are thinking of you and the Foster family… Your Dad was a wonderful man, so caring and giving, and I know he will be missed by many. Our prayers are with you. Jamie & Julia Voss (Lowe)
Dear Bette and family, I was saddened to learn of Johnny’s passing. People like him do not come this way very often. It was a privilege and honor to know him. All of you are in my prayers. My first memory of Johnny was when a bunch of us were playing on the McWilliams lawn (next to the Foster home) and Johnny, who was home from college, came over and did a running flip– I was impressed then and continued to be throughout the time I knew him. May the Lord comfort and protect you.
Johnny Foster had such a gentle spirit. He had no guile, no arrogance, just kindness. When he talked to you, you felt like you were important. He made me happy. He loved to smile and laugh. I have loved him since I was a little girl and I will love him forever. If he complained, I never knew of it. He was pure sunshine. I was proud to be able to say, “Oh, you know Johnny Foster? Well, I’m related to him.” He was a fine, fine man. Knowing he was in pain for so long was just gut-wrenching. I am sad he is gone but praise the Lord he’s now in heaven. May God bless Johnny Foster and all who loved him. We will miss his sweet spirit terribly.
Bette, we remember the days on the State Bar Board. What wonderful friends. You and John have been in our thoughts many times since then. And now, he must go. He served faithfully and well. All our love, Jeanne & Tom
Dear Mrs. Foster,Abby,Brad, Radney and family, I understand the sadness that you feel right now. I found this poem that I hope will bring some comfort to all of you as it did to me one year ago. I love you all. Michelle To my dearest family, some things I’d like to say… but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay. I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight. Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and He said, “I welcome you.” It’s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on. I need you here badly; you’re part of my plan. There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.” God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight. God and I are closest to you….in the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears. But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain. I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned. But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o’er. I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; but together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too… that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you. If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and pain, then you can say to God at night……”My day was not in vain.” And now I am contented….that my life has been worthwhile, knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low, just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go. When you’re walking down the street, and you’ve got me on your mind; I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it’s time for you to go…. from that body to be free, remember you’re not going…..you’re coming here to me.
John and I served on the State Bar Board of Directors together for 3 years. He demonstrated professionalism in all of his comments and votes. I will put you in my prayers. I know the loss is great, but I also know he is at home with the Lord. Jerry Bain Tyler Texas.
Dear Bette, I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing and hope that your many happy years together are a comfort to you at this difficult time. It was such a pleasure to come to know John and, through him, you during his time on the State Bar Board. He was a kind, thoughtful, considerate person always and universally respected by everyone who had the privilege of working with him.
Our condolences to the entire Foster family. On the day that Johnny departed this life, we were in Michigan at my own father’s funeral. Johnny’s smile will be forever remembered, his dedication to his family and his church will always be remembered also. Peace to you all.
Please accept my deepest condolences at this time for the loss of a stellar man, Johnny Foster. I had the privilege of serving as a Rotarian with him and enjoyed his smile, wit and caring attitude that made his shine. May he rest in peace and the many memories you cherish comfort you during this time.
We would like to let all of you know how much Johnny meant to Dink and I. Dink and Johnny went back to grade school with many, many memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dennys and Alice Brite
Dear Bette, Abby and family, Kevin and I were deeply saddened to hear of Johnny’s passing. His smile, kindness and optimism will be enduring memories of this great man. I pray that he is receiving his Heavenly rewards, and that my mom is happily organizing his files. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will always treasure wonderful memories of Johnny and out last really great phone visit last year. John Pettit
Dearest Bette, Abby, and Radney What a precious man we have lost. I will never forget, Bette, back in the 70’s when so many of us were experiencing our long-held faith in such a new and exciting way!What a joy it was to meet, sing, and talk in your lovely home! I will never forget Johnny or his wonderful family!
Dear Bette: I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family as a result of John’s death. He was a great man. When we worked together for the public good through the State Bar of Texas, he was an inspiration to all of us who had the pleasure of serving with him on the Board of Directors. I will not forget his great sense of humor, wonderful laugh and ever present smile. Lonny Lonny D. Morrison Testa Rossa Ranch Henrietta, Texas
Dear Bette, Abby, Radney, Loise,and Jim, There are no words that can ever express the impact of such a loss. We have such fond memories of Johnny as does everyone who ever met him. He was always a true gentleman with that added since of humor. The arrow through the head as he greeted the trick-o-treaters at halloween. The stately walk of a man coming to see his beautiful wife while she was teaching school. The wonderful christian who always had such encouraging words to offer at just the right time. He never met a stranger and always made you feel that you were his best friend. What a wonderful man that married such a special woman and together raised one of the nicest families anyone could ever meet. God Bless you all Thanks for all the memories, Ronnie and Susan Osteen
Dear Bette, Carol, James and I are very sorry for your families loss. There are no words that seem right at a time like this except to say that you will see him again and that he will still always be there. I hope that these words help you find some comfort. May God grant you and your family peace and comfort. Respectfully Sent, Steven, Carol and Baby James
Dear Bette, Abbey, Radney, Lois and Jim, I was so saddened to hear of Johnny’s passing as I have been thinking of yall so much lately and had every intention of calling and visiting with him after I heard he had been sick. I just waited too late and I am sorry. Johnny was the best boss I ever had there in Del Rio and was always such a gentleman and was always willing to help. He will always be remembered by me and my family. God bless you all for your great loss. Love, Carolyn & girls
Dear Bette, Although we rejoice in knowing that Johnny is now in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ, we will miss him terribly. In our minds, Johnny was one of the best role models of a husband, father and friend we ever met. His warmth, wisdom, and marvelous sense of humor were reassuring to us when we moved to Del Rio in 1999. We feel blessed to have had him in our lives. May God’s peace be with you and your family. Love, Arnoldo, Lisa, Ana and Abigael
Mrs.Foster & Family, You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Mr.Foster was one of the best customers I had the privelege of selling a car too.He was so so cool what a great gentleman God Bless Johnnie Foster! He was very proud of you all I knew by the way he spoke of you! Respectfully yours, Gregg Guajardo
Dear Bette and Jim: My deepest sympathy is with you and your family during this difficult time. You have been in my thoughts and prayers ever since I recently learned that Johnny was ill. Eventhough I have been away from Del Rio for 15 years, I still have very fond memories of Johnny and your family. Those memories I will always treasure. I know that only time will heal the pain, and only time will allow beautiful memories to fill in the hollowness you now feel. But while it does take time, please know that there are those who care, those who pray, and those who will strengthen you now and forever. God has placed another Guardian Angel in Heaven to look down on us and protect us. Everytime a flower blooms, everytime a child smiles, everytime the smallest breeze rustles the leaves, Johnny is letting you know he is with you.
Bette, Radney, Abby, Lois and Jim, We wanted to let you all know how sorry we are for your loss. We had been out of town and were not able to make it on Monday. I wish with all of my heart we could be there on Tuesday. I will be saying many prayers for all of you during that time. Bette, I am here for you and want you to remember how fondly Doug and I will always remember you and Johnny! You took us in when we moved to Del Rio and became our second family. We will always have a special place in our heart for you both. Just remember that one day we will all see Johnny again and will all be smiling and laughing as we used to. He was an unbelievable man! You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all! Doug, Suzanne, Abby, Amy and Wesley
Mrs. Foster and family, We are sorry to hear about Johnny. He and I played many good tennis matches together, and spent many days playing golf together. I am honored to have known him and to have been his friend. God Bless you and your family. You are in our prayers. Ron and Lyla Schnase
Mr. Foster was a dear sweet man and our family was honored to have known him, been friends, and grown close to him over the many years we’ve lived in Del Rio. Even after leaving the area, when we crossed paths, his friendship was always there as a constant smile upon his face. We lost our mother, Martha in October of 2007. I know they are together in heaven watching over us and wishing us peace and happiness. Their love will always be with us in our memories and in our hearts.
Dear Bette and family, Darrell and I are so very sorry to learn of John’s illness and recent passing. We recall with great fondness our days together on the State Bar Board. We will always remember John as the gentleman that he was, charming and fun, and we feel privileged to have known him. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss, and we hope that your many loving memories of life together will bring you much comfort in the days ahead. Love, Ann and Darrell
I first met Johnny shortly after moving to Del Rio as Judge Thurmond’s court reporter in 1982. I can safely say, I’ve never met a finer and more decent man than Johnny. Without fail, every time we met on the street, in court or anywhere, he would always make it a point to ask about my wife and children, by name. Professionally, the bar is well served by attorneys of his caliber, a man you knew you could trust without reservation, and whose word was his bond. Men of his character, integrity and decency are a vanishing breed, and we’ve one less now.
Dear Bette Loise, Abraham Lincoln once remarked that “Every blade of grass is a study; and to produce two, where there was but one, is both a profit and a pleasure.” Johnny Foster was a gentleman; a good, decent, and sweet-tempered man. And he, with your (quite considerable) assistance, raised four strong and honorable children- Abby, Radney, Loise, and Jim. And they, in turn, have proceeded to populate their respective corners of the Earth with small herds of awesome, smiling, loving sons and daughters. The palpable merit of Johnny Foster’s character and spirit will live forever in the precious generations that the two of you created together. With much affection, Loise
It was with sorrow that I read of Mr. Foster’s passing. I remember working summers at Del Rio National and no matter how busy his day, Mr. Foster would always stop by to say hello. A finer man of integrity and dignity I have never met. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Bette and family, Martin and I will echo what I am certain everyone else is saying and feeling. It would take pages to fully describe the wonderful person that Johnny was. He truly cared for his fellowman and was there for “the least of His people”. Johnny lived his faith and did more by example than others have done from the pulpit. Johnny was one of the first people we met. He did not hesitate in offering us his help. He encouraged Martin and told him he was doing the right thing in representing the accused. He said he had enjoyed practicing criminal law. Johnny was as fine a man as will ever meet and we are proud and honored to have known him and been able to sit and visit with him. I wish I could have been there when Johnny reached the pearly gates. There must have been a multitude of people there to greet him and rejoice. God bless you all.Â
Although I never got to meet Mr. John Foster personally if he was anything like Radney I know he was a kind and gentle man and loved by all. I read so much about him and his cases while going through Law/Paralegal school and he was such an inspiration to so many in the law field. Thoughts and prayers to your family Radney.
Dear Bette, Sam and I were so sad to hear of Johnny’s death, but are relieved that he escaped more suffering. We hold you in our heart and send our prayers, and deepest sympathy to you and your sweet children. We were terribly disappointed not to be at St. Luke’s for the funeral, but Sam was a pall bearer that very Monday for a friend who died in Marshall, TX. We could not make it back from east Texas in the 2 hours that separated those two funerals. Sending love to all of you. I will say that I admired and loved Johnny, my handsome, older cousin since I can remember. He was such a dear and gentle man. Maydelle
Dear Bette – We just found out about Johnny’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. He was truly a wonderful and sweet man! Much Love from Holly, Mack & Kelsey Warner
To Mrs. Foster,Abby,Radney and familly, My family sends their deepest regrests and sympathy at the loss of your husband and father. We lost dad this time last year and can truly sympathize with your feelings. But as we know in our hearts, he is with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. The amazing thing about dad is, he being a jew, repented of his sins, gave himself to the Lord and was babtized before he died. I think all the time when I come to a place where I grieve that he’s learning more than he ever learned here on earth. From Yeshua!! So rejoice! Mr. Foster is learning from our maker himself. And is in very good company. Gary also took care of Dad when he died. We were happy at this, because you always want friends around at this time. Again, From our family to yours, our sympathies and love go out to you. Mrs. Enriqueta Shipp Susan Shipp and Family
Dear Bette and family, I am so sorry to hear about Johnnys passing away I remember all the fun times we had back when we were kids at your home in Del Rio and as well as the get togethers in Uvalde. Johnny was such a true gentleman and I really admired that as I was growing up. You all are in my thought and prayes. Clayton
Dear Foster Family, We are so sorry for the loss of a wonderful person and friend. Johnny always greeted us with a smile and asked us about our spouse and our son (by name, no less) EVERY TIME we saw him. We haven’t had the opportunity to see Johnny in several years, but know that he is rejoicing in his abode now. Johnny was a true friend and great person to work with. He will be missed dearly by all.
Dear Bette and family, We were so saddened to hear about Johnny’s passing. Johnny was such a dear, sweet person, and always exuded a love for life and compassion for people. He was such a great boss and a dear friend as well. I have such great memories of those days when I worked for him. I still stop to thank God that Johnny hired me right when I was coming to the end of my rope financially. He touched so many other lives in his lifetime, and we feel blessed for having known him. Out of all of the conversations he and I had, Johnny would simply light up whenever he talked about his lovely wife, children and grandchildren. Though he will be missed, Johnny is celebrating with his savior now, and I can just imagine the smile on his face. Bette, take care, and may God bless you all.
Dear Jim; My deepest sympathies are with you and your family at this time. Your father was a great man that helped so many people. He was a role model for so many others and will continue to be. He had a compassionate heart. Your family went above and beyond in my life when I needed yall and I want to say thank you. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t strive to live my life the way I saw your family live theirs. I will continue to pray for your family’s strength as your father meets HIS FATHER. Your Friend, Briana
Dear Mrs.Foster I just found out about mr.foster.I’m sad to hear about your lost.I’m glad that I had the pleasure to meet him and to take care of Mr.Foster when he was on our 4 floor at NCBH.You are in my prays. GOD BLESS Angie Burns
Bette, We just recently heard about Johnny and our sincere condolences go to you and your family. He is a wonderful man and you all are such a good family. It is a pleasure and an honor to know him and your family. Sincerely, Beverly, LeeAnn, Susan and John Phillips
Bette and family… John and you all had the most remarkable and wonderful effect in my life. From welcoming this stranger into you home for bible study. The most telling event for me was very early one morning while riding my motorcycle to work something moved in your house – it was John reading his bible at the table. Few I have known that have lived life with such devotion to God, family, and country as John – we rejoice in knowing him for the time we have had. Love Bill
I just want to add my sense of loss at learning of Johnny’s passing. We started to grade school in Del Rio together and often walked home from school together. The last time I saw him and Bette was at their house when they hosted a 50th high school reunion in 1998. My family had moved to San Angelo, so I didn’t actually graduate at Del Rio, but they invited my husband, George Hay, and me to attend.
The picture of that reunion:
It seems not to post.