Bruce Foster

Bruce Eugene Foster, 84, of Maryville, Illinois, passed away at home on Sunday, October 5, 2025, with his wife by his side.

Born August 3, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, Bruce was the son of the late Kelsoe Foster II and Helen Hileman. On October 14, 1960, he married Dorothy “Dot” Winters, in Granite City, Illinois—a marriage that would span sixty-four years of devotion, laughter, and shared adventure.

A skilled millwright, Bruce spent his career with Laclede Steel and later worked at Chemetco, where his work ethic, dependability, and strength earned him the respect of all who worked alongside him. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Maryville, IL and a member of Granite City Triple Lodge #835.

Bruce was happiest under an open sky—fishing or sitting by a campfire, or traveling the country with Dot by his side. He found joy in life’s simple moments: a visit with family, a visit and card game with friends, time with his Schnauzers and the peace of the outdoors. To those who knew him, Bruce embodied hard work, integrity, and love for his family. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched.

He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings David Foster, Walter Foster, Kelsoe Foster III, Pauline Smart, and Cindy Adams; and his son-in-law, John Terry.

Bruce is survived by his devoted wife, Dot Foster of Maryville; daughters, Sherry Terry of Glen Carbon and Linda (Marty) Slama of St. Louis, MO; brother, Tom (Susan) O’Reilly of Las Vegas, NV; sister, Valerie “Dinky” Smith of Sikeston, MO; grandchildren, Katie (Paul Sr.) Stein, Donald “DJ” Miller, Amanda (Shane) Mitchell, Kristen (Kemal) Sahin, Kailyn (Adam) Kloster, and Nick (Semra) Slama; and great-grandchildren, Campbell Stein, Paul Stein Jr., Avery Mitchell, Esma Sahin, Haris Sahin, and Keely Kloster, his cherished sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Peggy and Charlie Moore. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.

A remembrance of Bruce’s life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Irwin Chapel in Glen Carbon, with visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. officiated by Dr. Tom Hufty. Interment will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, where Dr. Rob Schneider will lead the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Maryville, Calvary Baptist Church of Edwardsville, or Partners for Pets. Donations will be accepted at the funeral chapel.

Those wishing to share memories or condolences may do so online at www.irwinchapel.com.

Obit Provided By:
Irwin Chapel Funeral Home