Paul L. Foust

On August 12, 2025 Paul L. Foust passed away at his home, surrounded by the love of his family. Paul was a man known for his kind heart, adventurous spirit, and unwavering love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of stories, laughter, and love that will live on in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.

Paul married the love of his life, Augusta M. Klashak, on August 7, 1954. Their devoted union stood as a testament to enduring love and partnership. Augusta preceded him in death, as did his parents; David C. Foust and Florence O. (Spurgeon), brothers; Charles W. Foust and Thomas H. Foust, sisters; Gladys L. Gardener and Peggy J. Vinson and grandchildren; William T. Foust, Brandon M. Foust and Christy A. Plank. Paul and Augusta built a beautiful life together, raising six children; Joe (Patty) Foust, Rhonda (Dale) Kirby, David (Fe Minda) Foust, John (Tina) Foust, Kelly (Tony) Reich, and Melanee Foust. He was a proud and loving grandfather to 16 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren. His love also extended to countless nieces and nephews.

A native of Wabash, Paul attended Somerset School and served in the National Guard. Throughout his life, he held many jobs that spoke to his work ethic and versatility-from a farmhand on Eldon Landis' farm, to a gas station attendant, to selling baby carriages and pig feed door-to-door. He hauled milk for local farmers and later worked at Dana Corporation for 15 years.

In true Paul fashion, he sought more than just a job-he sought adventure. He took to the open road as a semi-truck driver, exploring every corner of the continental United States, Mexico and Canada. He drove many miles on the open road for North American Van Lines, Ringle Express, Warsaw Trucking, and Central Transport. Paul cherished the freedom of the road and the friendships he formed along the way. He even snuck in a stow-away from time to time (his wife, Augusta) for trips to Maine, as she loved lobster! After retiring from trucking in 1997, he continued to coach the Foust boys with the family farm and to share his joy and wisdom as the chief storyteller at Woody's Camp and Bait, captivating listeners with tales from a life well-lived and well-loved.

Paul's truest love was farming. He loved the land and found deep satisfaction in the rhythm of the seasons-especially the start of new life in the dirt and the reward of the harvest. Some of his most cherished moments were spent in the fields alongside his sons, working hard together and sharing the simple joys that came with a good day's labor. The rows of crops, the scent of fresh soil, and the pride of a full harvest were among the things that truly fed his soul.

Paul was the kind of man who never met a stranger. His warmth, humor, and genuine interest in others turned chance encounters into lifelong friendships. Among those friends was his old pal Charlie, who over the years became chosen family. Their bond was built on laughter, loyalty, and countless shared memories-proof that family isn't always defined by blood, but by love. He was deeply loved by all who met him, and his family will forever treasure the stories shared by those whose lives he touched.

It has been the greatest gift to know that his days on earth were limited so that those whose lives he impacted over his 89 years could visit again and ensure that he left this world with a full heart. Our family has been blessed by the many visits over the past days, and those encounters and stories have affirmed for the family what we have always known in our hearts . . . that Paul was an amazing human being who drew people to him through his thoughtfulness and gift of story.

His legacy is one of laughter, love, quiet wisdom, and an open heart. To know Paul Foust was to love him-and to be loved by him was a privilege and a blessing beyond measure.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash, with Pastor Brian Daniels officiating. Burial will be in Mississinewa Memorial Cemetery, Somerset. Friends may call 2-8 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Parkview Hospice.

The memorial guest book for Paul may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.