Obituary for Lyall Palmer Foster
A Memorial Service for Lyall Palmer Foster, age 68, will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church with Lou Ellerbrook officiating. Lyall left his earthly bonds and passed into The Heavenly Arms of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 11, 2024.
Lyall, was born on June 8, 1955 in Altus, OK, to parents LoAnn Church Foster and Lloyd Palmer Foster. After his birth, the three, returned to Socorro, NM, where Lloyd farmed and LoAnn was a Registered Nurse. Lyall gained a brother, Lloyd Stephen Foster, in January of 1959. The family moved to Mangum, OK in 1963.
After his father passed, Lyall finished his senior year at Mangum High School, living with Frena and Zane Winters and their sons, Greg, Glenn, and Gary. Frena and Zane considered Lyall their fourth son. After high school Lyall took a few courses in Industrial Technology at Altus Jr College and in 1974 moved to Childress, TX where he went to work at Lancer Mobile Home Manufacturers. He excelled at cabinet making and eventually started his own cabinet business. When Lancer ceased operations, he went to work at the Childress County Courthouse. In the fall of 1992, he ran for County Commissioner of Precinct 3 and won, taking office in January of 1993. Lyall served as commissioner for 27 years, during which time he experienced many challenges and opportunities, approaching each with equal determination and resolve. Some of the notable projects he participated in, with support of the other commissioners and the county judge, included supporting the Texas Highway Patrol District Office, The Texas Forestry Services Offices in Childress, and the opening of the new, state of the art, Childress jail in 2009. He found the role of Commissioner very rewarding because of the opportunity to make a difference in the community and its people. Lyall retired as County Commissioner in 2020.
During Lyall’s employment at the Courthouse, a Childress County Extension Agent, Pamela Prather, attracted his attention which began a relationship and resulted in their marriage on August 19th of 1993. The couple had no biological children, but they considered many kids from the neighborhood, from church activities, and from 4-H activities as their own. They also had their pets, who were like children to them. This kept their lives busy and filled with joy.
Lyall had the gift of being able to remember people’s names and their family connections. He believed it is important to call everyone – especially children – by his/her name to give them self-worth and acknowledgment. He knew that life is short and believed it is important to tell your loved ones that you love them and he practiced this in his own life.
Lyall had been active in The First Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge, where he served as Worshipful Master. He worked several Walks to Emmaus, as well as the youth Chrysalis and prison Kairos Walks.
Lyall’s hobbies included woodworking, computers, shooting sports, antique cars and people. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Ann Prather Foster; his parents- Lloyd Foster and LoAnn Foster Gee, Zane and Frena Winters; his sister-Patricia Stewart, and his brother-in-law Sammy Prather
Survivors include: Brother: Lloyd Stephen Foster and wife Laura; Oklahoma family, brothers: Greg Winters and wife Meme, Glen Winters and wife Linda, and Gary Winters and wife Ann.
Nieces and Nephews: Chelsea Foster; Keaton Foster and wife, Elissa; Weston Foster and wife Sandi; Danielle Finch and husband Paul; and Tiffany Kelley, and husband Michael; Cindy Morrison McCracken and husband David; Clint Stewart; Amy Prather Schiller, and husband David. Numerous grand and great grand nieces and nephews.
Please make charitable donations to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.
Deuteronomy 31:6
Lyall, was born on June 8, 1955 in Altus, OK, to parents LoAnn Church Foster and Lloyd Palmer Foster. After his birth, the three, returned to Socorro, NM, where Lloyd farmed and LoAnn was a Registered Nurse. Lyall gained a brother, Lloyd Stephen Foster, in January of 1959. The family moved to Mangum, OK in 1963.
After his father passed, Lyall finished his senior year at Mangum High School, living with Frena and Zane Winters and their sons, Greg, Glenn, and Gary. Frena and Zane considered Lyall their fourth son. After high school Lyall took a few courses in Industrial Technology at Altus Jr College and in 1974 moved to Childress, TX where he went to work at Lancer Mobile Home Manufacturers. He excelled at cabinet making and eventually started his own cabinet business. When Lancer ceased operations, he went to work at the Childress County Courthouse. In the fall of 1992, he ran for County Commissioner of Precinct 3 and won, taking office in January of 1993. Lyall served as commissioner for 27 years, during which time he experienced many challenges and opportunities, approaching each with equal determination and resolve. Some of the notable projects he participated in, with support of the other commissioners and the county judge, included supporting the Texas Highway Patrol District Office, The Texas Forestry Services Offices in Childress, and the opening of the new, state of the art, Childress jail in 2009. He found the role of Commissioner very rewarding because of the opportunity to make a difference in the community and its people. Lyall retired as County Commissioner in 2020.
During Lyall’s employment at the Courthouse, a Childress County Extension Agent, Pamela Prather, attracted his attention which began a relationship and resulted in their marriage on August 19th of 1993. The couple had no biological children, but they considered many kids from the neighborhood, from church activities, and from 4-H activities as their own. They also had their pets, who were like children to them. This kept their lives busy and filled with joy.
Lyall had the gift of being able to remember people’s names and their family connections. He believed it is important to call everyone – especially children – by his/her name to give them self-worth and acknowledgment. He knew that life is short and believed it is important to tell your loved ones that you love them and he practiced this in his own life.
Lyall had been active in The First Methodist Church and the Masonic Lodge, where he served as Worshipful Master. He worked several Walks to Emmaus, as well as the youth Chrysalis and prison Kairos Walks.
Lyall’s hobbies included woodworking, computers, shooting sports, antique cars and people. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pamela Ann Prather Foster; his parents- Lloyd Foster and LoAnn Foster Gee, Zane and Frena Winters; his sister-Patricia Stewart, and his brother-in-law Sammy Prather
Survivors include: Brother: Lloyd Stephen Foster and wife Laura; Oklahoma family, brothers: Greg Winters and wife Meme, Glen Winters and wife Linda, and Gary Winters and wife Ann.
Nieces and Nephews: Chelsea Foster; Keaton Foster and wife, Elissa; Weston Foster and wife Sandi; Danielle Finch and husband Paul; and Tiffany Kelley, and husband Michael; Cindy Morrison McCracken and husband David; Clint Stewart; Amy Prather Schiller, and husband David. Numerous grand and great grand nieces and nephews.
Please make charitable donations to your favorite charity in lieu of flowers.
Deuteronomy 31:6