Mr. Charles "Charlie" R. Foster

Charles Richard ‘Charlie’ Foster, 90, died at 2:15 p.m., Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Galesburg Cottage Hospital. 

He was born August 3, 1928 in Knoxville, Illinois, the son of Harold E. Foster and Adelaine M. (Crump) Foster.  He married Louetta ‘Lou’ A. Hehmann on August 23, 1952 in Galesburg. 

Charlie is survived by two sons, Michael Foster of Galesburg and Steve (Sherry) Foster of Dahinda; four grandchildren, Jessica, Ryan, Mitch, and Clint; five great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his loving wife Lou of 64 years; his parents; his twin brother, Harold, in infancy; and two sisters, Norma Lundquist and Betty Glas.

He attended Galesburg schools and graduated from Galesburg High School in 1947.  Charlie served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War as a Seabee in Cuba, Bermuda, and various locations in the U.S.

Charlie worked as a pipefitter in the Galesburg area his entire career.  He retired in 1991 after working at Thomas Plumbing & Heating for over 40 years.  He was very active in the Galesburg Masonic Alpha Lodge #155 since 1951 and served as the Master of the Lodge in 1996.

During his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.  He and his wife Lou loved raising two sons and being involved in their many activities.  They expanded their devotion to family with the addition of grandchildren.  After retirement, Charlie spent leisure time on the golf course.  He was especially excited to enjoy his first cruise in October 2018 and visit Key West, Florida and Havana, Cuba.  Since the passing of his wife, he found great comfort and friendship in returning to his childhood church, Galesburg First Christian Church.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, December 21, 2018 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel with Masonic Rites at 7 p.m.  Funeral will be 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at the chapel with Pastor Martha-Jean Fitch officiating.  Military Honors will be provided at the funeral home before burial at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens.  Memorials may be made to the Galesburg First Christian Church or the Galesburg Masonic Alpha Lodge #155.  Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

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