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Philip Foster
1929 - 2025
FUNERAL HOME
202 N. Main Street
Port Byron, Illinois
UPCOMING SERVICE
Visitation
Jul. 31, 2025
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Gibson - Bode Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ltd. - Port Byron
Send FlowersPhilip Foster Obituary
June 20, 1929 - July 25, 2025
Philip H. Foster, 95, of Port Byron, Illinois, passed away Friday, July 25, 2025, surrounded by his family at his daughter's home in Port Byron, Illinois.
Services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, August 1, 2025, at the Port Byron First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Thursday at Gibson – Bode Funeral Home in Port Byron. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery, Port Byron. Memorials may be made to Port Byron First United Methodist Church, Riverdale Boosters in support of the Football Program, or Quad Cities Canine Assistance Network (QCCAN).
Philip Hayes Foster was born on August 20, 1929, in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, to Charles and Elizabeth (Shore) Foster. He excelled in both football and track during his high school years. After graduating, he was recruited to play football at the University of Kentucky under the legendary coach Bear Bryant. Following a year at Kentucky, he transferred to Murray State College to continue his studies and football career. Midway through college, he paused his education to serve his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. He returned to Murray in 1955, completed his football career, and earned his Bachelor's degree in Education.
On February 19, 1966, Phil married Susan K. Bernstrom at the Port Byron Methodist Church. He dedicated 27 years to teaching Physical Education, Industrial Arts and coaching, where he became a beloved mentor to countless students and athletes. His teaching career began at Riverdale High School in 1963, and he later retired from Glenview Middle School in East Moline in 1990, leaving behind a lasting legacy of impact and inspiration.
Phil was an exceptionally talented woodworker who could build, create, or repair anything. He was known for his wit, humor, and his ability to make friends wherever he went. A longtime member of Port Byron First United Methodist Church, he used his woodworking skills to support the church's annual Christmas Traditions, serving with a strong, quiet faith that he shared by example with his family.
Above all, Phil was a devoted family man. He often worked summer jobs to provide extra opportunities for his wife and children and never missed his daughters' sports, music, or drama events. As a grandfather, he was his grandchildren's greatest supporter, always cheering them on in their pursuits. In recent years, he especially enjoyed visits from his granddogs, always ready with a treat in hand.
He is survived by 2 daughters and sons-in-law, Beth (Chad) Hurry, Port Byron, and Amy (Nick) Anderson, Port Byron; grandson, Taylor Hurry, Rock Island; and granddaughter, Lauren Anderson, Port Byron.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue in 2022; son, Brent Foster; sister, Dorothy Laxton; and brother, Charles C. Foster, Jr.
The family would like to offer special thanks to Phil's caregivers these past two years, Sue Mathis and Teresa Bird.
Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Philip Foster
Jul
31
Funeral services provided by:
Gibson - Bode Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ltd. - Port Byron202 N. Main Street, Port Byron, IL 61275
Memories and Condolences
for Philip Foster
Sponsored by Gibson - Bode Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ltd. - Port Byron.
3 Entries
Steven Vallejo
Yesterday
I still have the cutting board I made for my mom in Mr. Fosters' shop class at Glenview in 8th grade, its the shape of a pig. I had a lot of fun in his class. He was my shop teacher in 1973.
Karen Buchanan
Yesterday
Amy, Beth and families,
Your father was such a wonderful, and talented, gentleman. His daughters, in my humble opinion, are his and Sue´s best works of art.
When I visited with your dad, it reminded me of talking with my dad. Football, both playing and watching, jokes, a little teasing and, of course, kindness were conversation topics, to name a few. And, of course, they both hit 95 years young, were both educators, and both played college football. Also both of these darker hair men had the same build, muscles. So when I had the chance to visit with your dad, I always felt closer to my own dad. Thanks for sharing your dad with me.
I will miss both your parents. My life, though, is much richer because they have been in it. They gave so much of themselves and had the standards and morality we need more of in the world today.
A favorite memory - Your dad was also great with rusted aerators on sinks, especially those in the 5th grade pod at Riverdale Elementary. It took only one of your dad´s muscle-powered whacks with a pipe wrench to bust that aerator loose. I don´t remember how many times it circled the sink before it stopped moving. Remember, Amy?
My thought are with you. Love you! Karen
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