Kenneth L. Foster, 63, of Silsbee, died Sunday, June 23, 2013, at his home surrounded by loving family.  He was born on May 29, 1950, in Paris, Texas, to Wanda Jane Bryan Foster and William Richard Foster.

He graduated from Paris High School, Paris Junior College, and Stephen F. Austin State University with a B.S. in Forestry.  For most of his career, he worked in the woods of Southeast Texas and was an excellent steward of that resource.  He held numerous professional certifications and memberships and was recently honored by the American Certified Foresters with a lifetime membership.

Kenneth truly cherished his family and friends and the times spent with each of them.  He was a generous man—always ready to lend a helping hand, finances for a worthy cause, or a shoulder to lean on.  He loved the Lord all his life, and it’s fun to imagine the welcome given to him as he passed through the gates of Heaven.  He served as a deacon at Pinecrest Baptist Church and loved his church family.

He is survived and treasured by his wife of forty-three years, Nedra Schooler Foster; sons, Stephen Foster and his wife, Jodi, of Magnolia and Benjamin Foster and his wife, Taunya, of Mound, Minnesota; seven perfect grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Hannah, Samantha, Stephanie, Zachary, Rachel, and Leah Foster; two perfect godchildren, James and Keleigh Trabing; brother, David Foster and his wife, Linda, of Arvada, Colorado; sister, Wanda Stevens of Paris, Texas; brother-in-law, Ray Schooler and his wife, Gail, of Snyder, New York; sister-in-law, Florence Schooler of Welch; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews who loved him dearly.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents; and mother-in-law and father-in-law, Alvilda and Stewart Schooler.