John W. Foster, Sr., MD

John Wood Foster, Sr., M.D. was born August 20, 1928 in Phoenix, Arizona to Louise (Wood) and Glenn Foster. He died on Friday, October 19, 2012. He was raised throughout the Southwest and completed high school at Alamo Heights in San Antonio. After studying chemistry at Southwestern University, he graduated from Baylor College of Medicine, and took care of children for the next 47 years. He met the love of his life, Joann Evans, at Southwestern and married her on December 18, 1951. He joined the Navy after completing three years of pediatric residency in Houston. Stationed in Corpus Christi, he served as the naval hospital’s only pediatrician. Two years later, he joined his medical school friend, Dr. Brent Blonkvist, in practice in Midland. Shortly thereafter, he was recruited as the “school district physician”, a position he held until 2000. When not in the office, John could be found at his pecan orchard where he had numerous award-winning crops, hunting at leases around West Texas, fly fishing on the Taylor River near Gunnison, CO, or relaxing at Lake LBJ. He served on the board of Centers for Children and Families’ predecessor, the Family Counseling Service. He also belonged to the Kiwanis Club, served as Chairman of the Administrative Board at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, on the board of Southwestern University, and as Chief of Staff at Midland Memorial Hospital. For years, he was active in the Texas Pediatric Society where he served as treasurer.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Joann, three sons and daughters-in-law: Dr. John W. Foster, Jr. (Iris) of Midland, William W. Foster (Karen) of Aledo, and Richard G. Foster (Kathleen) of San Antonio. He is also survived by his wonderful grandchildren: John W. Foster, III of Houston, Diana Foster of Austin, Robert Foster and Bond Foster of San Antonio. In addition, he leaves a sister, Mary Foster Green, two nieces and a nephew.

A celebration of Dr. Foster’s life will be held Wednesday October 24, 2012 at 4pm at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church. Services will be lead by Pastor Jarrell Sharp.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Foster’s name may be made to Midland Memorial Foundation 2200 W. Illinois, Midland, Texas 79701 or to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church 3011 W. Kansas, Midland, Texas 79701.