Leon Foster

Leon Foster

Leon Foster passed away peacefully Tuesday evening Dec. 11, 2018, in Independence, Kan., with family members by his side. He was 94. He was born in McCune, Kan., Aug. 2, 1924, to Marie (Tridle) and Earl Foster. At McCune High School he excelled as a student and an athlete in track and football. After graduation in 1943 he immediately joined the Navy and served his country during World War II until 1946 as a hydraulics engineer building turrets for aircraft bombers.

After returning home, he attended Kansas State Teachers College in Pittsburg where he graduated with a bachelors and master’s degree in teaching and coaching and an E.S. degree in administration. He also played football for the college from 1946-1948.

He spent his entire professional career in education. He taught high school and coached many different sports in Kincaid, Sedan, Cedar Vale and Fort Scott, Kan. He was a principal at Turner High School and returned to Fort Scott to become Dean of Fort Scott Community College and later became the college president. He moved to Independence, Kan., later in his career to become the president of the Independence Community College before retiring in 1986. Throughout his career he touched the lives of thousands of young students and athletes, employees and colleagues.

After retiring he and his wife Earline became active members in the Kansas and International Airstream organization. During their over 25 years of participation they saw the world pulling their travel trailer to Mexico, Newfoundland, Alaska, Canada and all corners of the U.S. For nearly 30 years they would travel with their trailer to South Texas and spend their winter months with friends.

Leon is survived by his wife Earline Foster of Independence, Kan., his sister Gloria Wintjen of Joplin, Mo., his son Stephen Foster of Jackson, Wyo., and daughter Joan Foster of South Padre Island, Texas. He also has three stepchildren Luann Baker, Steven Wulz, and Curtis Wulz. There are also many step-grandchildren and step-greatgrandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 17, at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott, Kan. Burial will follow in the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Scott. The family will receive friends from 3 until 5 Saturday afternoon at the Potts Chapel, Independence, Kan. They will again receive friends from 3 until 5 Sunday afternoon at the Cheney Witt Chapel, Fort Scott. Memorials are suggested to the Red Cross and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, P.O. Box 347, 201 S. Main St., Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.