Dr. John Arthur Foster

March 2, 1937 - May 20, 2021

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A private celebration of life is being planned for the family.

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In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Dr. Julia Foster’s name to the Indiana Medical History Museum, 3045 W. Vermont St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, or First United Methodist Church, 1700 State Road 26 W, West Lafayette, IN 47906 or the Community Foundation – Julia Foster, MD Endowment #8000, 56 N. Main Street Martinsville, IN, 46151.

Dr. John A. Foster of West Lafayette, Indiana passed away Thursday, May 20, 2021. He was born March 2, 1937 in Muncie, Indiana to Vaughn and Mary (Petry) Foster and raised on a farm. He graduated from Gaston High School in 1955, and IU Medical School in 1962. Dr. Foster completed an internship and pathology residency at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was a member of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). He was a member of the Indiana Army National Guard for 7 years, attaining the rank of Major and Company Commander of the Medical Company at Boswell, Indiana. Dr. Foster practiced pathology at St. Elizabeth Hospital and later at Parkview Hospital in Ft. Wayne. In both institutions, he was responsible for updating the laboratories for CAP inspections and he developed a rape kit to aid in prosecutions. Dr. Foster retired from the South Bend Medical Foundation.

John was a gentle, unassuming, loving man with a quiet strength that always put his family first. He was active in supporting his children’s activities and volunteering in the community. John loved attending Purdue basketball and football games and tinkering with his model trains.

John is survived by his wife of 61 years, Frances (Burnham), two daughters, Cathy Erwin (Jim) and Dawna Clawson (Dan) and son John David Foster (Lisa). He is also survived by grandsons Jonathan Erwin, TJ Foster, Jason Foster, Adam Foster, granddaughter Sara (Erwin) Sawrie and great granddaughters Finley and Rue Erwin and step grandson, Zac Hunsucker. He was preceded in death by daughter, Julia A. Foster MD (Hunsucker). A private celebration of life is being planned by the family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Dr. Julia Foster’s name to the Indiana Medical History Museum, 3045 W. Vermont St, Indianapolis, IN 46222, or First United Methodist Church, 1700 State Road 26 W, West Lafayette, IN 47906 or the Community Foundation – Julia Foster, MD Endowment #8000, 56 N. Main Street Martinsville, IN, 46151.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Carl Allegretti

Sharon Groves’ and Frank Tull

Rudy & Meera Gangadhar

Denise E.Lapsley

Judy Branham

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God Bless the whole Foster Family. Thoughts and prayers

Fran, John and I are sorry to hear of John's passing. Our hearts go out to you and your family at this difficult time. John and Wanda

I always admire the two of you and the way in which you attended to everyone around you. I loved talking with John after church and soon learned that I should not ask if he’d like my assistance. He was so strong, so handsome and so thoughtful. I know this is a rough time for you but know that many of us are thinking of you. Take care and know that you both are loved by many.???❤️?

Dear Mrs. Foster, Dave, Lisa and the entire Foster family, I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Dr. Foster. The obituary said it wonderfully -- he was gentle, unassuming and loving with a quiet strength. What a beautiful angel heaven has gained! Sending you all love and peace, Mary

Dear Fran and Dawna and family, Please accept our condolences on the loss of John. It was a pleasure to reconnect with you at PU Glee Club concerts. John was a warm and gracious man who blessed others by his presence. Dianne & Tom May

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Our deepest condolences to Fransis Foster and family. May his soul Rest In Peace. Rudy and Meera Gangadhar.

Peace and love to all mourning the loss of Doc Foster. I admired him for his kind heart, quick wit and gentle spirit. Rest In Peace, Doc.

It is with great sadness that I light this candle for Dr. Foster. He was a kind and beloved member of our church and the medical staff at Parkview. Integrity, kindness, and generosity flowed from his heart. My condolences to my friend Frances and his family.

John was always kind to me and welcoming as your entire family has been. I will miss him. My prayers for you all through this difficult time. I have many fond memories of our families spending time together.

We are so sorry for your loss. Dr. Foster was loved by everyone who met him. He was kind, thoughtful, and loving. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.