David John Foster

David John Foster, 80, of Rossville, Kansas, died on Monday, December 9th, 2024 at Midland Hospice House in Topeka surrounded by his family. 

David was born July 2nd, 1944, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Joseph F. and M. Ellen Dale Foster. During David's youth he grew up on a farm south of Topeka. He attended Washburn Rural High School his Freshman year. After his family moved to a farm north of Rossville, he attended Rossville High School class of 1962. David graduated from Pittsburg State University in 1967. David served in the United States Air Force from 1967-1970. 

David married Virginia Kay Rezac on December 27th, 1967, at the Rossville Presbyterian Church. She survives at their home. Survivors include his two sons and grandchildren: Andrew Foster (Jennifer), grandchildren Elizabeth, Morgan (Hunter), and one great-granddaughter Hadley; Adam Foster (Laci), grandchildren Kerrigan, Ryder, and Bodie. Other survivors include his brother Charles Foster, Delia and his sister Teresa Foster, Topeka. 

David was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Fred Foster and Robert Foster, and a deeply loved nephew Alan Foster who lived and worked summers on the Foster Farm while he was in high school. 

During high school and college summers David worked for many area farmers. After being discharged from the Air Force, David first farmed with his father-in-law and later started his own farming operation. David loved raising cattle. In the summer he enjoyed driving around in his pick-up with his dog Pokey checking his cattle and pastures. David promoted agriculture in many ways. He was on boards for the St. Marys Farmers Union, the Shawnee County Soil Conservation, and the Cross Creek Watershed District. 

David had an extraordinary work ethic. He spent countless hours driving tractors, checking irrigation, and feeding cows. David could fix anything. He was no stranger to welding, fabricating, and turning wrenches. David would rather work on improving his farm than anything else, which included using the caterpillar dozer to build terraces, ponds, and waterways. David taught his sons about raising cattle and growing crops. He was really proud of their farm operation and enjoyed sharing his passion with those he loved. 

David seldom took time off, but when he did he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and chasing off trespassers. David liked to snow ski and taught his sons, grandkids, and many other kids how to ski. David liked to travel and family vacations were spent camping in the northern and western United States. His favorite vacations were two trips to Alaska. 

David loved a simple life and being outdoors. He never liked crowds. He enjoyed his time in the countryside. Friends and family are invited to the graveside service at 11:00 am on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, at the Czech-Moravan Cemetery, 13801 NW 94th St, Rossville, KS 66533. Immediately following services everyone is invited to the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Building for a luncheon and sharing of memories of David. 

Memorial contributions in David's memory may be made to either Jimmie Lillard Post No 31 of the American Legion, Midland Care, or to Rossville FFA and may be sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, KS 66536.