FOUST, John Thurman - b. October 14, 1915 - d April 15, 2013

[patyrn]

John Thurman Foust was born October 14, 1915  to John Willard and Sarah Alice (Walker) Foust in Putnam, Oklahoma and died April 15, 2013 in Sedan, Kansas.

John was raised in Moline, Kansas as a small child with his five sisters and four brothers, all of whom have passed before him.  He graduated from Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma in 1940 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  He was ordained at the University Place Christian Church in Enid, Oklahoma on May 22, 1940.  He then received his Bachelor of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University in 1943. 

He pastored many churches, including the Christian Church in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Christian Church in Dewey, Oklahoma, Christian Church in Chanute, Kansas, Central Park Christian Church in Topeka, Kansas, Lubbock View Christian Church in Lubbock, Texas, East Lincoln Christian Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, Oaks Christian Church in Houston, Texas, and Trinity Christian Church in Houston, Texas.  In 1985, he and his wife retired and moved back to John's hometown of Moline, Kansas where they renovated an old house into their home of 28 years.

John dedicated his life to the ministry, and besides his treasured pastoral duties, he ministered through his talents.  He was an avid reader and stayed abreast of current events in order to understand how scripture related to today's lifestyle.  He was a carpenter and spent hundreds of hours perfecting his craft, creating beautiful inlaid tables and accessories from exotic woods.  He enjoyed gardening, and took great pride in maintaining and caring for his home.

John enjoyed family events and looked forward to the Foust Family Reunion every two years.  A fun-lover, he enjoyed playing washers and dominoes.  He also enjoyed singing and playing his harmonica.  John also gave to his community and was instrumental in establishing the Moline Medical Center.

Survivors include his wife of 73 years, Mildred Mae (Hanlin) Foust of Pleasant Valley Manor in Sedan, Kansas; a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara Ann and Roger Clark of Grand Island, Nebraska; a son, John Wayne Foust of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas; 5 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Memorial funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at the Moline Christian Church in Moline, Kansas.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Moline Christian Church.  Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Countryside-Zimmerman Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)

[ddurbin]

Among his many activities, John was quite active in the Moline High School Alumni Assn.  For many years he proudly led the annual march uptown, being the oldest member present and participating.  He will be missed this year.

[patyrn]

I didn't know John Foust, but I find it pretty amazing that he, as a young man in the mid 1930s, was able to leave small town Kansas and go to a private Christian college in Oklahoma to follow his desire to become a minister and then to continue his education at Vanderbilt.  Times were tough then for everyone, and he was one of ten children in his family.  I'll bet he was a very interesting and accomplished man who set high goals for himself!!!