Ralph Foster, Jr.

1951 ∼ 2017

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Pastor Ralph Foster, Jr., 66, of Beaumont, Texas, passed away on September 12, 2017, in Lumberton, Texas.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, September 18, 2017, at Encounter Church in Groves with Pastor John Burk officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont.

Visitation will be preceding the service beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Born in Greenport Long Island, New York, he was the son of Ralph Foster, Sr. and Martha Taplin Foster. Ralph lived in Tripoli, Libya for 6 years before moving to Silsbee, Texas where he met the love of his life, Marilyn, whom he was happily married to for 38 years. He was an artist, the owner of Montage Tribute Art, as well as a musician. He served as a pastor for over 35 years and was recently the pastor at Kingdom Culture Church in Groves, Texas. Ralph was a genuine man with a great sense of humor. He loved his family dearly, especially his granddaughters and will be greatly missed by those who loved and cherished him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Martha Foster.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Marilyn Foster; children, Leah Chessher and husband Eugene, of Lumberton and son Ryan Foster, of Beaumont; granddaughters, Cecilia and Olivia Chessher; twin sister, Janice Redden; and sister, Betsy Hart.

Serving as pallbearers will be Christopher Jenkins, Darwin Davis, Scott Hart, Michael Redden, Jr., Keith Luke, Pastor John Blanchard, Sgt. Ahmaal Bodden, and Pastor Stephen Samuel.

Condolences

Sharon Moreland October 6, 2017

When I lived in Port Arthur/Beaumont, Ralph was my pastor. I loved him: his dedication, humor and care for each member. I have only accidentally learned of his passing, trying to locate a mutual friend after the storm. My life will never be the same for having known him. Peace to the family. Sharon Moreland (402 W. Los Angeles, Broken Arrow)

Jeff Darby September 18, 2017

I met Ralph and Marilyn in 1979 at Bethel Temple in Port Arthur. My mother, sister, and I were fresh from the Roman Catholic Church and Ralph's job was to be my Sunday School teacher. What a challenge! I immediately liked the guy. We were there until 1982. Ralph taught me A LOT about Jesus Christ and the Bible. Looking back, Ralph laid a great foundation on which I built my Christian faith. He knew my grandmother well from 1979 until her passing in 2015, most of this time as her pastor. She was none other than "Miss Margie" Hagan. The last time I saw Ralph was at Maw Maw's funeral in August 2015 when we both spoke during the service. I pray that the peace that passes understanding be with the entire family. We have the Blessed Assurance of Jesus Christ. Jeff Darby Nederland, Texas

Salina Hancock September 18, 2017

This was 23 years ago playing flag football with our youth group. He was a great friend & a great leader. I meet him probably 30 years ago when I was just a child. I will always remember the bow ties he would wear, his contagious smile, his sense of humor & the amount of love he had for all those around him.

Darwin Davis September 17, 2017

I am so blessed to have had Ralph in my life. He was the finest of humanity. Ralph always had a positive attitude and saw the best in people. He was the true example of what Christ wanted us to be like. He had a great passion for his family, life, and people. He was more than a cousin but a friend. Almost every accomplishment, milestone, or purchase in my life the thought has crossed my mind what will Ralph think. The reaction was always the same he would make a big deal and make you feel good. It was important to me to get his approval. This world sure will not be the same without him in it. On the other hand Heaven gained a true saint. Darwin Davis

Karen Buckner September 17, 2017

Dearest Ryan, We are so sorry to hear of your father's passing. We are always here for you. Love you. Karen and Cade Buckner

Anonymous September 16, 2017

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Ralph Foster, Jr..

Debbie Bickham September 15, 2017

Pastor Ralph, My Buddy,My Pal,My white soul brother, What a wonderful human being, I have really enjoyed knowing you,You where a breath of fresh air.You thought me that I was champion, That I matter to christ, And that Christ loves me. Pastor you cheered me up with your smile and laugh. You told the most incridable stories,and then made the stories sound so vivid where you could use your imagination to picture each scene. Everyone was a someone around you. I so many happy memories. I am so glad I pass your way. I have learned to live a Kingdom Culture Life.R.I.P . MY BUDDY, MY PAL, MY BROTHER.

Johnny & Cheryl Crochet September 15, 2017

Ralph was our pastor for many years at Bethel Temple in Port Arthur. He married me and my husband back in 1983. He was a wonderful pastor.

Tammy Paris September 13, 2017

Pastor Ralph started out at Bethel Temple in Port Arthur as my Sunday School teacher when I was young, then Youth Pastor. He was also my pastor when I came home to visit and then moved back to Groves. He and Sister Marilyn always were glad to see me and gave me an encouraging word from God. Pastor Ralph we will miss you but know that you are in a much better place. My condolences to Marilyn, Leah, Ryan and rest of the family. Tammy Paris

Carolyn Dugas September 13, 2017

This honorable man was my pastor for 30 years .there was no one like him . He never left my side during any situation that I faced . I loved him dearly Carolyn Dugas

Leah Chessher September 12, 2017

My cheerleader, my confidant, my light, best pawpaw, kindest, fairest, genuine person to have lived. He was never fake, he stood for his convictions and didn't let anyone bully him. He was the epitome of strength and will forever be my hero. Dad, you never ceased to amaze me and make me proud, I hope I can be half the parent you were and make my kids laugh half as much as you had us laughing. I will forever be grateful to every second we had. I hope I make you proud. Love you, Dad!!!

Win Webb September 12, 2017

Ralph Foster was a man among men - fun loving, kind, and giving. He was my brother in law, but more like a blood brother than one by marriage! More that that, the best part was he was my brother in Christ. I will never forget coming from Montana to visit....just as hurricane Andrew was due to arrive. We caravanned north and finally found a room in College Station where we found one motel room - one room for 10 people! I look forward to singing with my brother in heaven - save me a seat beside you, Ralph. I will give you fi dolla for it! lol Love you, my brother!

Shelley Finne September 12, 2017

I am at a loss. I am sad that i did not know that he was that sick. I received here n there messages. I am so sorry that ralph has passed away. I remember the house on boisseau in southold the fun , the parrots the saint bernard, the cocktail hours lol the love n at the time one of youngest lil cousins. How entertaining ralph was.they r all awonderful and caring family.the laughter the joking is something i will always keep close to my heart and memories.bless u all and i truly sorry to hear about this. But i know he is in heaven with his mom n dad. I send my thoughts to his wife, children n grandchildren n his wonderful sisters GOD BLESS I LOVE U

event Visitation

location_on Encounter Church, 5300 Twin City Highway, Groves, 77619

directions Get Directions

schedule Monday, September 18, 2017 at 1:00 PM

event Funeral Service