Leonard Foster Jr. passed away peacefully on January 10, 2010 at the Gables Assisted Living Center in Shelley surrounded by family.
He was born in Idaho Falls on April 30, 1934 to Charles Leonard Foster and Martha Jane Billman Foster. He attended school in Idaho Falls and graduated from Idaho Falls High School. In 1952 at a dance in Ririe, Idaho, Leonard met the love of his life, Jean Taylor. They were married on April 1, 1955 in Idaho Falls. In 1974, their marriage was solemnized in the Idaho Falls Temple. He was a hard worker and loved to keep busy.
After graduation from high school he went to work for George Hartwell at Hartwell Excavating. In 1975, Hartwell Excavating and Kennedy Paving merged to form H K Contractors. Leonard was the Vice President in charge of operations and over the years became the sole owner of H K. Leonard took flying lessons and received his private pilot license to cut down on travel time to out of state jobs.
In his younger years Leonard liked to hunt and fish and later on he took up snowmobiling and golfing. He also enjoyed playing his electric guitar. He loved spending time with his sweetheart Jean and they traveled to many destinations together. Although Leonard never went to college he was a good businessman and full of wisdom. Leonard was an advisor and counselor to many who came to him for advice.
Leonard was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held several callings including the Sunday School President, Bishopric member in two Bishoprics, High Councilman, High Priest Group Leader and a faithful hometeacher. He and his wife served as missionaries at the Idaho Falls LDS Temple Visitor Center.
Because of Leonard's hard work he taught his children and grandchildren to work hard and become self sufficient.
He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and a sister.
He is survived by his wife, Jean Foster, three children; Wade (Cindy) Foster, Debbie (Stan) Searle, and Cheryl (Carl) Sanders, all of Shelley, 10 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren; and 1 brother Brent (Maureen) Foster of Rigby.
The family wishes to thank the staff at The Gables Assisted Living Center in Shelley for the loving care given over the past year and Carrie Andrus with Blackfoot Home Health & Hospice for her care in his final days.
Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at the Jameston Ward LDS Church (1101 East 1250 North). A viewing will be held for family and friends Tuesday evening, January 12, 2010 from 6:00 till 8:00 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley, and Wednesday morning from 9:30-10:40 a.m. at the church prior to the funeral. Burial will be at the Taylor Cemetery.
