Southeast Missouri says goodbye to Sen. Bill Foster

Southeast Missouri lost a well-loved legislator, friend, and mentor with the passing of former State Senator Bill Foster at 3:30 a.m. last Friday at the age of 78.

Former Sen. Bill FosterPhoto provided

“Bill Foster is exactly the type of guy you wanted in public service. He was an outstanding Senator and a true friend who was very kind to me and everyone,” remembered former State Rep. Terry Swinger.

Foster was born in Crockett, Arkansas on Dec. 23, 1946. He later served in the Army National Guard and operated a successful window installation company. As it became clear to many of his colleagues, Foster’s true calling was as an advocate for his constituents.

He served on the Poplar Bluff City Council from 1977-1980, the last year of which as mayor. Foster also was a member of the Planning and Zoning Committee, Chamber of Commerce, and Poplar Bluff Industrial Advisory Committee.

Finally, he represented Missouri’s 156th district in the State House of Representatives from 1993-2001 and the 25th district as State Senator from 2001-2004.

Colleagues remember him as a man deeply committed to the people he represented, his family, and his faith. Former Speaker of the House Todd Richardson stated, “Sen. Foster epitomized what it meant to be a public servant. I always knew him as someone who cared deeply about the people he represented. From Poplar Bluff to the State Capitol — he had a true heart for public service and he will be missed.”

Rod Jetton, who later represented the same district as Foster in the house, cited a story that epitomized Foster’s devotion to his constituents. Due to issues with the town’s well, Mill Spring in Wayne County was about to run out of water. A nearby spring could provide water to the town, but the land was owned by an individual who saw the installation of the necessary equipment as too much of a hassle. As Jetton recalled, Foster sprang into action. Taking out a loan in his own name, he personally bought the piece of land with the spring and applied for a grant from the state for the necessary equipment.

In short order, Mill Spring had a secure water source once again. Jetton said the former owner returned after the installation asking to buy the land back. Foster sold it to him for the same price he bought it for. The individual turned around and sold it again for a $1,000,000 profit.

According to Jetton, Foster said, “I guess the Lord didn’t want me to have that much money.”

His colleague emphasized the action was never about personal gain.

Former State Rep. Shelley Keeney Taylor affirmed, “Bill Foster set the bar high when it came to constituent services. He loved meeting people, spending time with them, and hearing their stories. I learned a great deal about how to represent the people of the district and offer exemplary constituent service from the example set by Bill Foster.”

Former State Senator Chuck Pergason recalled another story, “I remember Bill talking with a constituent on the phone that was having a rough time. Bill told him, ‘Never give up, because I know a man that came into the world with nothing but took 12 men and they changed the world. They wrote a book about him.’ I have always remembered that conversation.”

Jetton also recalled a time when Foster saved the life of his staffer, Mike Wood, by using the Heimlich maneuver.

Former Senate President Pro-Tem Rob Mayer added, “Bill truly had a servant’s heart. It was an honor to work with him in Jefferson City as he was always kind and helpful to me. He will be sorely missed.”

Jetton noted Foster’s quiet and unassuming demeanor concealed a formidable legislator and meticulous planner.

“He would develop plans and have contingencies for A, B, C, and D. He didn’t care who got credit,” he shared.

Former Speaker Pro Tem Carl Bearden echoed this sentiment, “Bill was always one of those quiet types that if you didn’t know better, you’d underestimate him. But underneath that quiet exterior was a man who thought through things and got them done. A man of kindness and integrity.”

A transformative politician, State Sen. Jason Bean recalled about Foster, “(He) was a true statesman and changed the political landscape in the Missouri Bootheel. I still remember Sen. Foster sitting in our living room talking to my father about his pathway to winning the Dunklin County State Representative seat. With Senator Foster’s guidance, my dad was the first Republican to win and hold that seat since statehood.”

Following his tenure in the State Senate, Foster worked in various agencies from the Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Revenue. Dedicated to the churches he was involved in, he served as a Sunday school teacher for more than 30 years.

Foster also was a cabinet member for Gideons International, vice chair of the Finance Committee at Concord Baptist Church, and a member of Poplar Bluff’s First Church of God. He is survived by his wife Irene and daughter Karmen.

In all areas, Jetton said Foster excelled for the sake of others.

“He just set the bar so high,” he recounted.

As Foster said, “My job is to find somebody to help and bless.”

His funeral is this Saturday, Jan. 18 from 9-11 a.m. at Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City.

There will be an additional funeral on Sunday, Jan. 19 from 12-1:30 p.m. at the Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff followed by a graveside service at Piggott Memorial Gardens in Piggott, Arkansas.