Foster, Willis Richard (1921-1952)

FOSTER, ISHAM, EVANS

Posted By: Debbie Greenfield (email)
Date: 9/28/2016 at 14:43:25

Daily Freeman Journal, Webster City, Iowa, Monday, November 17, 1952

Willis Foster Found Dead In His Car

Willis Foster, 31, of 216 Division street, died this morning of carbon monoxide poisoning which the coroner ruled intentional.

Foster's body was found by firemen who were called when neighbors noticed smoke pouring from the garage used by Foster and turned in a fire alarm.

On opening the garage doors to investigate the smoke, firemen found a car which they immediately pulled into the open. In the front seat they found Foster's body.

A physician and an ambulance were called, but Foster was pronounced dead by the physician when he arrived.

The smoke which caused the fire alarm was exhaust fumes. The motor of the car was not running when firemen arrived.

Neighbors said that Foster had never given any indication of his intentions. He had been reported despondent, however, in the last few days.

This morning he had arisen and made his own breakfast and apparently was on his way to Beam Manufacturing company where he was employed as an engineer.

The time of death was estimated at 7:30 a.m. The fire alarm was turned in at 8 a.m.

Time of funeral services will be announced tomorrow, with Fosters funeral home in charge.

Survivors include his wife and one son, Jerry; also his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Foster, Sr.; three brothers and one sister: Gordon, Jr., Jack, now in the service, and Verne, and Mrs. Lyle (Lois) Evans.

Daily Freeman Journal, Tuesday, November 18, 1952

Foster Rites On Wednesday

Funeral services for Willis R. Foster, 31, will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Foster funeral home with the Rev. Jonathan Nielsen officiating. Burial will be in Graceland cemetery.

Willis Richard Foster, son of Gordon and Edna Foster, was born April 7, 1921 on a farm near Clarion, Iowa. He started his elementary schooling south of Clarion, and later attended school at Randall where the family lived for awhile. When the Fosters moved to Webster City, he entered the seventh grade in the Webster City schools and was graduated with the class of 1938.

Following his graduation he was employed at the Forrester's Creamery and later at Brin's Furniture. He later entered the employment of the Beam Mfg. Co. and at the time of his death was employed as an engineer with that firm.

He was married July 13, 1941 to Miss Laura Isham. In August, 1941, the family moved to California where they resided for six years before returning to Webster City, their home since.

He is survived by his wife, one son, Jerry, 2-1/2, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Foster, Sr.; three brothers, Gordon, Jr. of Webster City, PN-1 Jack Foster, stationed on Guam with the navy, and Verne of Webster City; and one sister, Mrs. Lyle (Lois) Evans of Seneca Falls, N.Y.

He was baptized in the Baptist faith and was a member of the First Baptist church in this city. He was a member of the Webster City Elks lodge.

A friendly, cooperative young man, he had made many close friends in Webster City. He was always conscientious about his duties and was very popular among his fellow employees at the Beam Co. plant.