Arthur A. Foster

Arthur A. Foster departed this world into the arms of Jesus on Monday, September 4, 2023, at 4:32 PM. He was born in Wasson, Illinois on October 9, 1938, to the late Arthur C. and Sarah Ora (Chambers)  Foster. During his freshman year of high school he met the love of his life, Carrie Ellen Farris, daughter of the late Albert and Aileen Farris. They began dating prior to their sophomore year and married on November 9, 1956. Arthur started working at an early age at the Eldorado Daily Journal as a paperboy delivering papers throughout the community. He became a custodian within The Journal. After completing high school, he attended linotype school in English, Indiana. As his career continued, he worked as reporter, photographer and ended his career with The Eldorado Daily Journal as the Managing Editor 1981. Upon leaving The Eldorado Daily Journal, Arthur worked in insurance and sales for a short time. In the mid-1980s he began working at the Saline County Courthouse in the Circuit Clerk’s Office. He officially retired in 2004 but continued to work for the CIrcuit Clerk’s Office until his health prohibited. Arthur was very active in his church, Eldorado First Baptist Church. He was a deacon, as well as, Children’s Church Pastor in the 70’s. His involvement in the church led to service with Illinois Baptist Association Board, Baptist Children’s Home, and the 4 C’s Compassion Center in Harrisburg. He also served several churches in the region as a bi-vocational minister. It was important to Arthur to serve, just as Jesus served. Within the community he was on the board for the Eldorado Library and the Eldorado Unit #4 School Board. During Hurricane Katrina cleanup, he went with the Illinois Disaster Relief Team to help in their efforts. Arthur and Carrie Ellen have three children: Kent (Laurie) Foster of Tampico, Illinois; Kimberly (Stephen) Brave of Marion, Illinois and Krystal (James) McCure of The Woodlands, Texas. Twelve grandchildren: Bethany Foster, Michael Foster, Abigail (Zac) Weismann, Jonathan (Becca) Foster, Hannah Foster (Ryan Sheley-fiance), Sarah Foster; Colin Brave (Jerica Traughber-fiance), Connor (Morgan) Brave, Scott (Tammy) Brave and Marissa (Nathan) Robinson; and Mina (Ben) Ramsay and Sophia McCure. Fifteen great-grandchildren: Adelaide, Nora, and Ezra Weismann; Ariya and Elijah Foster; Ella Sheley; Maizlee and Canik Brave; Jameson, Declan, Eoin, Caitriona and Lorelie Brave; and Caitlin and Claire Robinson. His nieces and nephews: Nancy (Greg) Speaks, Summer Perry, Theresa (Bill) Pederson, Bill (Lynne) Ferrell, Ginger (Kevin) Crouse, as well as many other great nieces and nephews. Arthur was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father in law; his son, Kent; Arthur’s siblings: Bonita (Joe) Jones, Virginia (Charles) Ferrell and Ethel Foster; and nephew David Jones. Visitation for Arthur will be held at Colonial Terrace Funeral Home in Eldorado, Illinois on Sunday, September 10, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. and 10:00 AM to service time at Eldorado First Baptist Church on Monday. Service will be on Monday, September 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Eldorado First Baptist Church with Rev. Randy Plunkett officiating. Burial will follow at Wolf Creek Cemetery in Eldorado. Memorial contributions can be made in Arthur’s honor to the Carmi Baptist Children’s Home or the Eldorado First Baptist Church Building Fund. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family via the website www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.