Richard Tucker Foster
Richard Tucker Foster, known affectionately as Dick to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025, at the age of 92, in his hometown of Wichita, KS. Dick lived a long, thoughtful life marked by service, integrity, and quiet leadership.
Born on March 5, 1933, in Wichita, he spent time in Larned, Osawatomie and Halstead, eventually graduating from Halstead High School. He went to the University of Kansas and graduated with a degree in Psychology, and afterwards, he decided to attend law school at the University of Kansas School of Law. Early in his legal journey, Richard founded the KU Student Bar Association in 1958 – a lasting contribution to future generations of law students. Upon serving his country in the U.S. Army, he pursued a career in law after graduation, and became a partner at McDonald, Tinker, Skaer, Quinn, & Herrington.
His commitment to ethical practice extended beyond the courtroom. He served as legal counsel for the Kansas Medical Ethics organization, where he offered guidance on sensitive and complex issues with wisdom and care.
Outside of his professional life, Richard was deeply interested in genealogy. He spent years researching family history, believing strongly in the importance of remembering generations past.
He is survived by his wife, Carol Foster; his children, Eric Foster (Christy), Karen Wernimont (Darwin), and Carl Foster (Roxana); his grandchildren, Adam Young (Angie), Cori Phillips (Matthew), Sidney Foster, Connor Wernimont, Christopher Wernimont (Emerson), and Chase Wernimont; as well as his four great-grandchildren, who will all miss his steady presence, sharp mind, and dry sense of humor.
A memorial service will be held at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 10:30 am, and all who knew Richard are welcome to attend and honor his life.
Broadcast Date:
Services
Memorial Service: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 10:30 am
Downing & Lahey East Mortuary
6555 E. Central
Wichita, KS 67206
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I worked with Dick for my first few years of practice as a little baby lawyer, starting back in 1996. He was so kind to me, was always generous with his time and wisdom, and had such a wonderful laugh that I can still hear when I close my eyes and think of him and that rich smile. The world (and the law) are both so much richer for having had him in it. May he rest in peace.
Dick was a true gentleman and a fine lawyer. When I came to the firm in 1998, he was extremely generous with his time and treated all young lawyers with respect. When not talking about the law, we enjoyed visiting about Kansas history over a cup of coffee and ribbing each other about the K-State / KU rivalry. My thoughts go out to his family.
My condolences to Dick’s family. He was always so kind and patient with everyone and had a wonderful sense of humor!
Rest Richard, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army.
I worked at McDonald Tinker 2013-2018, after Mr. Foster retired but when he would still regularly drop by the firm. I so enjoyed those visits. He always stopped by my office to offer encouragement to me as a young lawyer. As others have said, he was generous with his mentorship. And he told a good story, too. Sending my best wishes to Mr. Foster’s family for comfort and peace as you celebrate a life well lived.
I was saddened to hear of Mr. Foster’s passing. I began working at McDonald Tinker in 2001 and had the pleasure of knowing him during that time. I always appreciated our conversations and enjoyed his sense of humor. We shared a mutual interest in genealogy, and I will always remember the stories and insights he so generously shared. After he retired, he would come by the office and stop in to say hi and tell me the latest about his family tree. I will miss him. My thoughts are with his family.
I had a chance to meet Dick Foster this past summer (2024) when I was a candidate for judge, He was so kind and generous with his time and encouragement regarding the nobility of
the practice of law. I got a good sense of how much he had enjoyed his career practicing law here in our community. I remember in that moment thinking what a kind and refreshing example of a life well lived, especially in the legal field. His colleagues and family should be proud. My condolences to those who cared about him most.
Jaci Kelly
Carol
I just got the word of Dick’s passing; I am sorry I missed the memorial
He was a kind, gentle man. His advice always was measured and complete and well delivered. I will always remember his warm smile and r the regal way he carried himself
I will miss him
I will keep you all in my thoughts
Lisa C Quinn