John Martin Foster
John Martin Foster passed away on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at his home near Waynesboro, VA. He was born at home in Sangerville, VA on April 2, 1944, a son of the late Glen Randolph and Ola Virginia (Smith) Foster.
John was a graduate of North River High School, Bridgewater College with a degree in religion, attended Bethany Theological Seminary, and performed two years alternative service at Lynchburg Training School. He then served as a pastor in the Church of the Brethren for over thirty-eight years.
He was the neighborhood unofficial chief greeter and resident morale booster, walking up and down his driveway never letting a soul pass by without a friendly wave.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Ray and Garland Foster and his in-laws, Eugene and Lula Reynolds.
John is survived by his wife of 59 years, Lula Reynolds Foster, who he claimed was his first responder for the last few years; son, Alan Foster (Pam); daughter, Laura Foster Phillips (Wilmer); grandchildren: Grace Phillips Dawson (Michael), Molly Foster Daniels (Doug), Mark Philips (Hunter), and Abby Foster Cash (Graham); great grandchildren: Bo, Harper, Elijah, Charlotte, Noelle, Kirk, Maggie, and one soon to be born. He is also survived by a sister, Brenda Wine (Jeff); sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Foster; brothers-in-law, George Reynolds and Lee Reynolds (Connie) and a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be conducted at 3pm on Sunday, November 15, 2026 at Sangerville Church of the Brethren, 26 Vance Rd., Bridgewater, VA, with Pastors Kevin Daggett, Beth Jarrett, and Steve Spire officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heifer International, 1 World Ave, Little Rock, AR, 72202 or by visiting www.heifer.org.
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at UVA Cancer Center and all those involved in his care with Hospice of the Shenandoah. Also thanks to Pastor Beth Jarrett for her pastoral care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Charlton and Groome Funeral Home in Fishersville, VA.
Share condolences and memories online by visiting www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.
