J. D. Foster

April 18, 1936 - December 3, 2020

J.D. Foster was born on April 18, 1936 in Stilwell, Oklahoma to Jesse Delmer and Zelma Foster. J.D. left to begin his new life in the Lord’s house at the age of 84 years old on December 3, 2020. He resided in Muskogee, Oklahoma at the time of his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Heather Jean Foster; 3 sisters and 4 brothers-in-law who he loved very much, Polly and Ongelo Pierson, Betty and Floyd Bailey, Carline and Cecil Caldwell and Richard Race. J.D. is survived by his wife, Jean Hamby Foster; his 3 daughters Megan and her husband Donnie McCully, Carol Foster and Toni Panell; he had 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; one sister, Carol Sue Race; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly. J.D. graduated Stilwell High School in 1953 and then joined the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict where he was trained as a Radar & Sonar operator. After completing his tour of duty, he attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. During his working career Mr. Foster was dedicated to working with many housing agencies in the state of Oklahoma. Some of those agencies included Cookson Hills Community Action Agency for 10 years, Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, the Housing Authority of the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah and the Housing Authority of the City of Tulsa. In May of 1997, Mr. Foster became the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Muskogee. In 2009 the Southwest Regional Council of NAHRO who is made up of members that are from Housing Authorities, Section 8 Agencies and Community Development agencies from across seven state regions honored J.D. Foster by awarding Mr. Foster ‘The Charles L. Farris’ award. This award is the most prestigious award an individual can receive, and the award is given to a person who has shown a personal commitment to the future of housing and redevelopment. The individuals of this award have set a benchmark for which professionals in the fields of housing and community development should strive to reach. Mr. Foster achieved that level of dedication and beyond. Due to COVID, a memorial service will be scheduled at a later time for the family and close friends. The family wishes to ask that in lieu of flowers that a donation be given to your local homeless shelter, food pantry or charity of your choice.