Duane Foster

Duane Leon Foster, 86, of Seymour, Indiana, passed away on Monday, July 28, 2025 at Covered Bridge Health Campus in Seymour, Indiana.

Duane was born at home in Jennings County, Indiana, on July 15, 1939. He was the son of Lester Leon Foster and Lottie Irene (Hall) Foster, who both preceded him in death.

He graduated from Crothersville High School as class president and valedictorian, and proudly played on the Tigers' basketball and track teams. Duane went on to attend Butler University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics.

The day after graduating, Duane was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. He trained as a pilot and flew C-130 Hercules aircraft, delivering cargo to more than 60 countries, including combat support missions during the Vietnam War. He later joined the Air Force's renowned "Hurricane Hunters," the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, where he flew into 20 named hurricanes while stationed in Puerto Rico.

After active duty, Duane transitioned to Pan American Airlines as a commercial pilot, while continuing his service in the Air Force Reserve. Over the years, he flew several aircraft including the O-2 Skymaster, A-37 Dragonfly, F-4 Phantom, and A-10 Thunderbolt II. He held numerous leadership roles, including flight instructor, safety director, operations director, base commander, and commander of multiple tactical fighter wings. He also served as a senior reserve adviser to major Air Force commands and was a Brigadier General during the Gulf War, supporting Operation Desert Storm.

Duane retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Brigadier General with more than 6,000 military flying hours and over 30 years of distinguished service in both active duty and reserve capacities.

Following his military retirement, Duane continued his passion for aviation, working as a commercial airline pilot, flight instructor, and aviation consultant for Pan Am, Delta Airlines, and Boeing, eventually retiring in 2008. When combining his military and civilian aviation careers, Duane logged over 11,000 total flight hours.

In 2001, Duane co-founded Foster Brothers LLC, an excavating and crane company in Seymour, Indiana, with his sons Paul and David. He retired from the business in 2010.

Duane married Mary Elizabeth Beavers on August 16, 1959, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Medora, Indiana. They recently celebrated 66 years of devoted marriage.

A man of deep Christian faith, Duane was a faithful member of Peace Lutheran Church. Flying was his greatest passion after his faith and family. He also enjoyed playing guitar in Kyper Creek, a Southern gospel and classic country band. Known for his generous spirit and deep love for his family, Duane gave freely of his time and talents throughout his life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary Elizabeth (Beavers) Foster of Seymour, Indiana; three sons, Mark Leon (Wendy) Foster of Columbus, Indiana, Paul (Donna) Foster of Seymour, Indiana, and David (Angela) Foster of Seymour, Indiana; twelve grandchildren, Jacob (Jessica) Foster, Rachel (Kory) Kovert, Jordan (Leah) Foster, Andrea Foster, Jonathan (Brooke) Foster, Josiah (Madelyn) Foster, Dyana Foster, Yana Foster, Addison Foster, Colton Foster, Evelyn Foster, and Cooper Foster; and five great-grandchildren, Emma and Olivia Foster, Lydia Foster, Margaret Kovert, and Beckham Foster. Duane is also survived by his brother, Norman D. (Eileen) Foster of Seymour, Indiana.

In addition to his parents, Duane was preceded in death by a baby brother, Steven Foster.

Pastor Alarik Morris will conduct funeral services at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 8, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church of Seymour, 330 Tipton Street, Seymour, Indiana 47274, with burial and military services to follow at Marion Baptist Church Cemetery, 7730 W. Co Rd 850 S., Paris Crossing, Indiana 47270.

Friends may visit on Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Adams Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 110 E. Howard St., Crothersville, Indiana 47229 and after 10:00 AM on Friday at the church.

Memorial donations may be given to Marion Baptist Church Cemetery or Peace Lutheran Church of Seymour c/o Adams Family Funeral Home & Crematory.

Duane Leon Foster lived a life marked by dedication, love, service, and honor. His legacy will live on in his family and in all the lives he touched.