Robert Frank Foster

Robert Frank Foster, Sr., 80, of Republic, passed away on Monday, Nov. 12, 2018 in Republic Nursing and Rehab. He was born on Dec. 2, 1937, in Camden, N.J., the son of Russel Frank and Norma Alice (Willard) Foster.
He was employed many years as an automobile painter in the body shop of first, Friendly Ford, and later retired from Don Wessel, both in Springfield.
Foster often presented himself as a recluse and claimed to not like people, but those who knew him knew he was very much a people person and never knew a stranger. He could talk for hours and did in a crowd. Foster enjoyed spending time anywhere outdoors with his family and his dogs.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a six-month-old daughter, Roseann Foster; and a daughter-in-law, Sheila Foster.
Foster is survived by his six children and their spouses, Robert Jr. and Karen Foster, Dena Hitchens, Michele and Gene Thiewes, Michael and Shawna Foster, Daniel Foster, and favorite son, Anthony Foster; 14 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
A private family gathering was Monday, Nov. 19, 2018. Family and friends may share online condolences at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com.