L. Wayne Foster

Lelus Wayne Foster, known as Wayne, a native of Casey County, Kentucky, and long-time Foley, Alabama resident, peacefully passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, just days after celebrating his 88th birthday with family and friends.

Wayne was the first-born son of Ralph and Christine (Godbey) Foster. He spent his early childhood in rural Kentucky before moving to Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, where he attended University High School. It was there he met the love of his life, Karen - his wife of 62 years. After graduating in May 1955, Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Army in September.

Following basic training, Wayne received specialized instruction and was deployed to South Korea as a member of the 24th MP Company, serving in peacekeeping efforts after the Korean Conflict. Upon returning to the U.S., Wayne held a variety of jobs and married his high school sweetheart, Karen, in June 1958. In 1965, he began his long career at General Telephone Co. (later GTE), retiring in 1989.

Wayne was also a skilled homebuilder, constructing homes for his family in Hudson and Normal, Illinois. In 1974, he was promoted to Supervisor of Installation & Maintenance, and the family moved to Morton, Illinois, where they lived until Wayne's retirement.

While in Morton, Wayne was heavily involved in civic life, serving as an active member of the Morton Volunteer Fire Department, the Kiwanis Club, and various other organizations. He was a devoted Christian, attending numerous churches over the years, including Bloomington 1st Church of the Nazarene, Trinity Mennonite Church, and Grace Fellowship PCA in Foley. Wayne was a member of The Gideons International and participated in church mission trips to Reynosa, Mexico, where he used his construction skills to help build a school for deaf children.

In 1992, Wayne and Karen moved to Foley, Alabama, where they built their final home. For the next 32 years, Wayne immersed himself in his family, his church, and his community. He taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served as a Deacon at Grace Fellowship PCA. He was often seen at church, whether fixing things, cutting grass, or helping with various programs. His love for mission work continued through church-sponsored trips to Reynoso, Mexico; he remained an active participant in the church community to his final day.

Wayne was also deeply involved in local civic efforts. He was one of the early members of Baldwin County Habitat for Humanity and volunteered with the So Baldwin Literacy Council. An avid golfer, Wayne worked as a marshal and starter at Glenlakes Golf Club for over 20 years, forming lasting friendships with countless local golfers. He also enjoyed fishing, often spending time on the water with his wife and grandchildren.

Wayne’s devotion to his family, friends, and neighbors was remarkable. He provided affordable lawn care to over 30 families and was always ready to help with repairs, from fixing leaks to changing flat tires.

Wayne was preceded in death by his wife, Karen, in 2021; his parents; sisters Ethelene Rough and Wanda Johnson. He is survived by his brother, Randy Foster (Liberty, KY); his son, Keith Foster (Bon Secour, AL); daughter, Julie Foster (Peoria, IL); granddaughter, Casey Stachnick (Peoria, IL); grandson, Cody Westermann (Dallas, TX); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Grace Fellowship PCA, 1740 S. Juniper St., Foley, AL, at 4:30 pm, with visitation starting at 3:30 pm and a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Grace Fellowship PCA, 1740 S. Juniper St., Foley, AL 36535.

ARRANGEMENTS BY
WOLFE-BAYVIEW
FUNERAL HOMES
& CREMATORY, INC.
2551 SOUTH MCKENZIE STREET
FOLEY, AL 36535
(251) 943-2391
www.wolfefuneralhomes.com