Gerald "Jerry" William Foster

Gerald William Foster, 88, of Springfield, passed away Friday, March 14, 2025, at Litchfield Health and Rehab Center. He was born in Macomb, IL, January 15, 1937, a son of Marshall C. and Dorothy E. (Clugston) Foster. He graduated from Macomb High School and went through ROTC Training. Mr. Foster was a skilled pilot. He started his career as a crop duster and banner pilot and went on to become a corporate pilot for several Illinois governors, Springfield attorneys, and for radio broadcaster, Paul Harvey.  He also took pride in flying family members around the country, with the most memorable occasion being forced to land in a Kentucky cow pasture on the morning of 9/11. He enjoyed gardening and fishing. Mr. Foster was married to the former Anna Jean Gilland Foster, and she preceded him in death November 3, 2024.

Mr. Foster is survived by:

Stepson, David (Vicky) Crocks of Litchfield

Daughter, Dawn (John)  Rebhun of Gulfport, MS

Stepdaughter, Brenda Stamer of Chatham, IL

Siblings, Robert (Deb) Foster of Elkhart, IN, and Janice (Keith) Webb of Beeville, TX

Grandchildren, Thomas Galbreath, Keirsten Rebhun, and Colin Rebhun

Step-grandchildren, Jeremy Stamer, Travis (Lauren) Crocks, and Sara (Zach) Rodeffer

Five step great-grandchildren

Fifteen nephews, two nieces, and numerous other relatives. 

Mr. Foster was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and siblings Max (Norma) Foster, Don (Helen) Foster, Irvin (Ruby) Foster, Bernard (Donna) Foster, and Marcia (Don) Adams.

Graveside services for Mr. Foster will be held at 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 21, 2025, at Elm Lawn Cemetery in Litchfield. Pastor Lynne Taylor of Mt. Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield will officiate.

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