Rev. Robert A. Foster

FOSTER

Posted By: John R Foster (email)
Date: 2/12/2007 at 14:32:20

The Rev. Robert Avery Foster, (06 Apr 1891 to 18 Jun 1965), 74, of 803 Franklin, dean of Keokuk clergymen, was found dead in his home Sunday morning by friends who called to take him to church.

He had had a heart condition for some time it is presumed that he died Friday evening.

When he retired in 1962 he had been pastor of the First United Presbyterian church for 41 years, serving from 1921 until the church was discontinued. He then became pastor emeritus of the Second United Presbyterian church of which he was a member.

Ordained July 13, 1915, he would have celebrated his 50th anniversary in the ministry next month. His ministry was by no means confined to his own flock but embraced the entire community; for which he had a deep abiding love.

In turn he was held in the warmest affection by residents of all sorts and conditions. His daily walks up and down Main street, saw him stopped several times in each block, either to casually pass the time of day or treat of more intimate matters on subjects of infinite variety.

A widely read man whose own library was extensive, he was an ideal choice for membership on the board of trustees of the Keokuk Library which he served for so long and, as president, realized a dream in seeing the new building at Fifth and Concert materialize.

Born April 6, 1891 in Claysville, Penn, he was the son of James Henry and Flora Belle Garrett Foster. He married Ruth Lamphere in Monmouth, Ill. She died September 17, 1936.

Surviving are a son Robert E. of Quincy Ill., a grandson, John R. of Quincy, four brothers, Raymond of Baltimore Maryland, George and Cecil of Washington Penn., and Charles of Tucson, Ariz., and five sisters, Mrs. Alma Ayers of Detroit Mich., Mrs. Dora Vaught and the misses Mary, Sarah, and Mabel, , all of Washington Penn. He was preceded in death by four brothers.

The body is at DeJong’s funeral home.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Second United Presbyterian church with the Revs., Clifford Isaacson, George R. Potts, and A. H. Bisping officiating. Burial will be in Oakland cemetery.

The public library will be closed for the funeral from 1 until 3:30 p.m., Tuesday.