Taylor W. Foster, 95, of Warren Rd. died Wednesday morning at his home following several years of declining health.
He was born August 12, 1919 in Amherst County, VA, the son of Taylor Foster Sr. and Sadie Jennings Foster.
He graduated from Renan High School and went on to business school in St. Louis, MO. Six months into his first job in Kansas City; he enlisted in the US Navy on July 23, 1941. After Pearl Harbor, he was assigned to the USS Burleigh APA-95 as CSK in the South Pacific transporting supplies and passengers to Pearl Harbor, Guadalcanal and the Russel Islands, spending 10 days off Okinawa April 1, 1945. He was discharged September 10, 1945.
He was employed in the Richmond, VA area until his former commander; Wayne Bleakley called him regarding an accounting position with the News Herald. He traveled to Franklin in 1946, and resided here ever since. Later when the local papers merged, he was general manager of Venango Newspapers until he retired in June 1985.
He was first married to Louise E. Taylor in VA in 1944. They had two sons; Taylor “Bill” Foster and Robert “Bob” Foster. She died August 18, 1973.
He married Edith Sullivan on November 21, 1975 in St. Joseph Church. She survives in addition to his sons, Bill (Pam) of Las Cruces, NM and Bob (Barb) of Wexford. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Beth (Mike) Werkheiser, of St. Louis, MO, Abby (Nate) Ellis, of Indianapolis, IN, Taylor Foster of Tucson, AZ, and Nathan Foster of Las Cruces, NM. Also surviving is one step grandson, Ernest (Christine) Padilla, of Boston, Mass., brother in law, Jim Miles, and nephew Alvin Eades of VA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother, sister, and niece. He was also preceded by his grandson, Capt. Erick Foster who was killed in Iraq, on August 28, 2007, also a step-granddaughter, Melissa Padilla.
He was active on several boards during his working life, including until recently, the Northwest Bank, Warren, PA. He joined and remained a member of the First United Methodist Church in Franklin. Taylor enjoyed his retirement with many hobbies and always had a project. He especially enjoyed his bridge games and buddies.
There will be no public viewing. A private service will be held for the family with the Rev. Jeff Little, Pastor of First United Methodist Church, officiating.
Those wishing to remember Taylor may donate to their favorite local charity.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc. 312 West Park St. Franklin.
Online condolences may be sent to Huff Chapel.
