Jon R. Foster Sr., 87, passed away on January 17, 2024, in Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County.
Jon was born on March 8, 1936, in Urbana, Ohio to the late Joseph Ware and Hazel (Armstrong) Foster. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who enjoyed teaching in and out of the classroom.
Jon received his master’s degree in education from Wright State University and spent over 25 years teaching elementary education in Springfield. Prior to teaching, Jon served in the United States Air Force as an aircraft mechanic and was a certified watchmaker. Jon was an avid skier and a Professional Ski Instructors of America at Mad River Mountain for over 50 years. He was a motorcyclist until age 84 and was a member of the Goldwing Road Riders Association for 40 years where he served as Ride Director.
Jon was an Eagle Scout, and captain of the Y.M.C.A. swim team. He later became a certified instructor with the American Red Cross where he taught first aid, CPR, and water safety. He enjoyed water sports and was a certified Skindiver and S.C.U.B.A. instructor. He was a chancellor at the Red Star Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. Jon enjoyed life to the fullest, whether he was helping educate others, skiing the slopes, or taking a motorcycle ride with friends.
Jon was married to his first wife, the late Lois (Linker) Foster for 37 years. They had three sons together whom Jon taught skiing, sailing, camping, canoeing, and kayaking. In 1998, he married the late Patricia Woodruff-Foster. They were married for 17 years and enjoyed spending time together and with family during retirement.
Jon is survived by his son, Jon (Michelle Tomc) Foster, Jr. and 3 grandchildren: Alexandria, Madison, and Zachary Foster. He is also survived by his stepchildren: Camilla (Patrick) Keating, Victoria (Jeff) Flannery and Michael (Tammy) Guthrie and step grandchildren; Courtni Adams, Brooke Schlumbohm, Tiffani Davis, Ashleigh Deibel, Colt Guthrie, and Jewel Dalton and 20 step-greatgrandchildren.
Jon is preceded in death by his parents; Joseph and Hazel Foster; first wife, Lois Linker Foster, second wife Patricia Woodruff-Foster; sons, Dr. Paul Joseph (PJ) Foster and Kirk Foster.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, January 27, 2024, in Skillman, McDonald and Vernon Funeral Home, Mechanicsburg, Ohio.
Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home with Pastor Mimi Ault officiating.
Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Red Cross.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.
