A graveside memorial service was held July at the Junction Township Cemetery west of Grand Junction for Dean Foster, 62, of Jefferson. Words of comfort were offered by Bill Allen, lay leader at First Baptist Church of Jefferson. Graveside military rites were provided by a United States Army honor guard, VFW Post 9599 of Jefferson, and American Legion Post 11, also of Jefferson.
Dean LeRoy Foster was born in Belmond on January 31, 1958, to Gerald and Norma (Swain) Foster. He died in Jefferson on June 25, 2020.
Dean attended Bismarck High School in Bismarck, AR, and graduated in the Class of 1976. After high school Dean attended college at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR. In May of 1980 Dean entered the Army through the ROTC program, where he served 12 years and attained the rank of captain before being discharged to serve in the Reserves in July of 1992 upon which he attained the rank of major. During his time in the Army, he participated in both Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He also met and married Beth Lucinda “Cindy” Rhoades. They had two children, Anna Helfen née Foster and Christopher Adam Foster.
Dean began civilian life by working as a store manager before moving on to drive a semi for many years. He founded his own trucking company, A Friend Trucking, aptly named because he enjoyed answering the phone “you’ve got a friend!” He enjoyed the open road, meeting new people, and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. His dog Random was his faithful traveling companion for many years.
After retiring from trucking, Dean went to work for a local farmer Dennis Murphy, assisting with chores: farming and cattle; and transporting of grain.
Dean’s health eventually kept him from working. He was retired at the time of his death.
Dean is survived by his children Anna (Allen) Helfen and Christopher Adam Foster, both of Ohio; his mother Norma Pollock and stepfather Ron Pollock of Jefferson; brother Robert Foster of Germany; stepsiblings Robin Pollock of North Carolina, Terri (Joel) Tiffany of Grand Junction, and Ron (Heather) Pollock Jr. of Jefferson; nephews Benjamin Foster and Alexander Foster, Tyler Tiffany and Keyden Pollock; niece Gabby Pollock; and other family and friends.
Dean was predeceased by his brother Alan Foster, and his father, Gerald Foster, and grandparents.
The family is assisted by Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home of Jefferson.
