Jess William Bill Foster
February 23, 2020
Jess William “Bill” Foster, of Wichita, Kansas passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2020 at Regent Park Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing. He is survived by Lesta (Johnson), his loving wife of nearly 60 years, and his son Fletcher Foster of Nashville, Tennessee, brother Jack (and Donna) Foster of Bonner Springs, Kansas and several nieces and nephews. Born in Cedar Vale, Kansas to Jess Walter and Dorothy Irene (Beachler) Foster, Bill graduated from Cedar Vale High School in 1949 with a love of sports and a passion for ranching. After high school he joined the 1st Marine Division and was stationed in Korea, Hawaii and Japan. After serving in the Marine Corps he joined his father farming in Chautauqua and Cowley counties and started his career in banking, working at banks in Cedar Vale and Hoisington, Kansas before owning and being named President of Hamilton National Bank in Hamilton, Kansas. He later joined Union National Bank (now Commerce Bank) in Wichita, Kansas. Prior to retiring he was named President of the Farmers State Bank of Yoder (Kansas). Bill loved all Kansas college and professional sports and enjoyed laughing and telling stories. He served on numerous Boards including banking, business, and church. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Foster (and surviving wife Coena); and sister, Nadine Foster. A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 1:00 pm in the Chapel at First Church of the Nazarene with a reception following. Memorials have been established with: First Church of the Nazarene, 1400 E. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, KS 67211; MidAmerica Nazarene University, 2030 College Way, Olathe, KS 66062. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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Bill’s exuberant and encouraging spirit made a huge impact on my life. I extend my deepest condolences. Much love.
Much love and healing light to you and your family.
Sending love to your family. Lee
Saepe Expertus, Semper Fidelis, Fratres Aeterni. Often Tested, Always Faithful, Brothers Forever. Thank you for your service to this nation.
So very sorry for your loss. Sending lots of love and prayers for the family.
Sending our love and praying for peace for your family during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy. – Pete and Vanessa Davis
Fletcher, I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Fletcher, You and your mom are in my heart and prayers. My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your dear father. I will always remember his kind, gentle heart, his keen sense of humor, and more importantly, just how much he always adored your beautiful mother. May the love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My love forever, Schatzi
Hey Fletcher – I have fond memories of your parents supporting you in the early – early days of your career. Driving, funding, selling 45’s from church-to-church. Three lifetimes ago, but a foundation from which to step off into becoming you. Sorry for your loss.
Dearest Lesta and Fletcher, Sending our deepest condolences to you both and entire family . Your are in our hearts and prayers. May you find Peace and Comfort during this time.
On behalf of my father, Carl Mills, I send thoughts and prayers to you all. He has many good memories of Bill, who he considered a good friend from their Cedar Vale days. He also sends regrets that he won’t be attending the memorial service today.
We are very saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. I had the pleasure and honor of working for him at Union Nation Bank but we were friends for many years. Bill was wise beyond his years and such a down to earth of talking about and teaching things. I often called him the “old country philosopher”. When it came to farming and ranching, he knew it like the back of his hand. Bill had friends from all walks of life and was highly thought of by all of them. Bill was a fine Christian gentleman and simply put a good guy. He will be missed. Rest In Peace dear friend. Gary, Debbi and Lauren Fruits. Sending prayers to Lesta, Fletcher and family. God Bless and God Speed.🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.