GREENWOOD
Emerald "Em" Foster of Greenwood, cherished father and grandfather, was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, March 28, 2021 at the age of 101. By his own recollection he was the first male Foster in his lineage to reach 100 years of age. He believed the secret to his longevity to be not partaking in liquor, tobacco, or gambling, and living a life of manual labor.
Em was born to Amy (Baxter) and Emerson Foster, on a farm near Hurricane Road in Franklin, IN on October 21, 1919. He was the third of seven children. Em’s father passed away suddenly when he was only eleven years old. As the oldest son, he and his mother shared the burden of keeping the family together, and the farm going during the difficult years of the Great Depression. In 1938, he graduated from Franklin High School and gained work at Kingan’s meat packing in Indianapolis as an elevator operator.
In June of 1941, Em married his high school sweetheart, Lorena (Tucker) Foster. She won Em’s heart during a bus ride home from school when he was in the fourth grade. He thought she was "about the prettiest girl around," and prayed to God that one day she would be his wife. God answered that prayer and they thoroughly enjoyed 55 years of marriage until she passed away in 1996.
Em was proud to serve his country in World War II as a member of the United States Army’s 42nd Rainbow Division. Shortly after arriving in Europe, he was captured and became a POW in Germany. During his time at the camp near Riesa, he narrowly escaped being the target of an aircraft strafing bullet that penetrated his bunk and developed an enduring dislike of turnips. His wife kept the faith that he would be returned to her, safe and sound, despite the local newspaper erroneously reporting that he had been killed in action. As soon as he was liberated, he high tailed it back to her; instead of making a pit stop at the Moulin Rouge, as some of his comrades were wont to do.
Upon returning to civilian life, Em began his career at Eli Lilly & Co. He spent more than 38 years in insulin manufacturing before retiring in 1984. This was the start of a family tradition; either he or his progeny have been continuously employed at Lilly since 1946. Soon Em and Lorena were blessed with the birth of a son, Rex. The family then returned to Johnson County, and Em lived out the remainder of his life in the house he and his wife built together, side by side, with their own hands.
Em had a firm faith in God, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Greenwood for nearly 70 years. Traveling, golfing, fishing and doting on his two grandsons were some of his favorite pastimes. He had a smile inducing laugh, and he loved to tell stories and joyfully sing old folk songs his father had taught him when he was a young child. Saturday nights he could be found in front of the TV for his long standing date with Lawrence Welk. It is probably no coincidence that he lived right around the corner from Dairy Queen, as his sweet tooth often called out for milkshakes and sundaes.
Em was a loving father and grandfather and will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his family: son, Rex (Pat) Foster; grandsons, Michael "Trent" (Jeni) Foster, and Travis (Sara) Foster; great grandchildren, Hunter Petro, and Jack and Lucy Foster, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Em was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Lorena, and his siblings: Elsie (Jim) Freda, Jan (Tony) Capodice, Wayne Foster, Ray (Tillie) Foster, Bob (Pat) Foster, and Betty (Owen) Smith.
A celebration of Emerald’s life will be held 1:00 pm Tuesday, April 6th at First Baptist Church of Greenwood 99 West Main St. Greenwood, IN with a visitation from 11:00 am to service time. He will be laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery. Masks are mandatory and are to be worn properly at all times. Prayers, condolences and memories will be gratefully accepted by his family. Memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church of Greenwood or Interchurch Food Pantry of Johnson County P.O. Box 147, Whiteland IN 46184.
You are invited to read Em’s obituary at <a href="http://www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com">www.stpierrefamilyfuneral.com</a>, where you may sign the guest book and leave a personal message for the family. Arrangements entrusted to Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Greenwood Chapel.
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