Ronald E. "Ron" Foster

Ronald E. "Ron" Foster, age 79, of Battle Creek died Friday evening, April 18, 2014. He was born in Battle Creek on October 2, 1934, the son of Hobart A. and Julia (Long) Foster and graduated from Battle Creek Central High School. Ron faithfully served his country as a member of the United States Army. He retired from the Kellogg Company in 1996 after more than 36 years of service.

Ron married the "Love of his Life", Donna J. Tooke at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Battle Creek on February 11, 1956; she survives. He is also survived by his children, Donald (Christina) Foster of New York, Kristy Foster-Potter of Battle Creek, Cheryl (Todd) Earl of Illinois, Joseph Foster of Battle Creek and Suzanne (Jeff Ellis) Foster of Oregon; 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild, and a sister, Jacqueline Smith of Kalamazoo. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William Foster, and a sister, Josephine Shannon.

An avid Detroit Tigers fan, Ron was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, wintering in Florida, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He served as a flight instructor for many years with Battle Creek Aviation and also enjoyed repairing small outboard motors, chainsaws and working on his daily jumble puzzles.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Thursday, April 24, 2014 at the St. Philip Catholic Church with Father Francis Marotti, celebrant. Interment with full military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the American Cancer Society, Heartland Hospice or St. Philip Catholic Church. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Ron may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.