JOHNNIE FOSTER

Johnnie   Lee Foster Jr. 76 passed away on June 4th, 2024, at the Kansas City, MO VA Hospital. He was born on April 2, 1948, in Kansas City, KS to Mary Williams Foster and Johnnie Lee Foster, Sr.

 He had one sister Marquetta Foster, who preceded him in death.

Johnnie grew up in K.C.K.  attending Keiling Stowe, and Northwest Jr. He was a proud Sumner High School graduate class of 1967.

He was a drummer under Leon Brady and played in the school band. After graduating in 1967 he entered the Army and toured Vietnam 68-69 he received a Purple Heart medal. During this time, he married Debra Stiles and had a baby girl Resha. That marriage was dissolved. He then married Ophelia Graham, that marriage was dissolved.

In 1998 he came across an old high school friend Joyce Holly and married her in 2000 that marriage lasted until his death. He said, “she was the woman of his dreams.” His life had a new meaning. Johnnie was a welder and Joyce a nurse saw his musical skills retired and promoted his music career. He worked part-time at the Sheriff dept, U G, Lansing Prison as a correction officer. Joyce had an idea to free up his weekends, so he became a school bus driver and when school was out, he was the ice cream man. We ran the truck for 4 summers. It did not stop the gigs or travel,  we were on the road to every state in the US, and from the Holyland, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Cuba, and all the Island cruises and over 50 bus trips doing their 24 years.

Johnnie was a car racer and enjoyed “going fast.” He had a good life despite his illness from the war. Johnnie took voice lessons from La Shawn Preston, and he then formed his band Johnnie Foster & Co. His band grew from 3 to 5.

He leaves to cherish the memories of his loving, devoted wife, and partner Joyce L. Foster; daughter, Resha Foster (Evans) Andy; granddaughter; six great-grandchildren; one niece; two stepchildren Lisa and Dale Graham; special friends Urma Watson, Debra Foster, Juanita Evans, Anita Newson; a host of cousins in              Arkansas, Texas, Milwaukee, classmates, friends and band.

Johnnie will be missed, he was my strength, lover, and partner in all adventures. I have not pumped gas in 24 years, so I’m learning all over again.

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