Raymond Leroy Foster, 82, passed away peacefully at the Van Wert Manor Nursing Home Thursday morning, January 8, 2026.

He was born on July 31, 1943, in Van Wert to the late Arthur Harold Foster and Mary Margaret (Lautzenheiser) Foster. Raymond married Frances R. (Rife) Foster on June 1, 1979, and she survives.

Survivors also include three children, Rodney Foster of Troy, Ohio, Rhonda (Mark) VanMetre of Ohio City and Scott (Lorie) Foster of Scott, Ohio; three step-children, Chuck (Chris) Murphy of Michigan, Timothy (Debbie) Murphy of New Haven and Pam Murphy of Van Wert; nine grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; three sisters, Martha (John) Anderson of Springfield, Ohio, Judy Liggett of Lima, Ohio and Ellen LeMaster of Convoy; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Besides his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by one brother, John W. Foster and one sister, Joan M. Rorick.

Ray retired from Aeroquip - Eaton in 2001 after 22 years of service. He enjoyed Blue Grass music, camping, riding motorcycles and snow mobiles. He had a extensive collection of John Deere memorabilia.

Raymond’s funeral service will be Monday, January 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Cowan & Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Pastor Mike Kaufman officiating. Visitation will be held Monday, from Noon to until time of services at 2:00 p.m.. Interment will take place at later date at Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.

A heartfelt Thank-You to the CHP-Hospice/Van Wert Manor Nursing Home for there caring and compassion care of Raymond.