Donald Roy Foster, 96, of Ashland, Ohio, formerly of Westfield Center, Ohio, peacefully passed away January 17, 2024, following many health issues in the past year.

Donald was born November 25, 1927, in Toronto, Canada of American parents, Frances and Earl Foster. He graduated from Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana in 1946. He went on to Western Reserve University, now Case Western Reserve University, graduating in 1950. While at Culver he was Captain of both Varsity boxing and the Crew Team and lettered in Varsity football. At CWRU he lettered in Varsity football and was President of the All-University Student Body. He was a member of Phi Gamma Delta and Oma Delta Kappa. He was awarded the Warrior Trophy as the outstanding graduating senior.

He was in management positions with Boise Cascade in California, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Connecticut. He joined the A. L. Garber Company (later The Garber company and then Caraustar) in Ashland Ohio in 1970 which he and four others purchased in 1979. Don retired in 2000 after the sale to Caraustar Inc.

He was an avid supporter of The Village Network (formerly Boys Village) for which the headquarters is named The Donald Foster Center for Family Preservation. Throughout his life he generously supported institutions that helped form his character and the values he held dear.

He was an avid golfer and belonged to Wooster Country Club and Westfield Country Club for many years. His great enjoyment in later years were the family trips including Bermuda, Hawaii and cruises including ALL family members, both children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Nadine and his children, Cheryl Henn (Gerald), Brad Foster (Anne), Laura Imperia (Paul), Matthew Foster and bonus daughter Robin Bogner (Matthew). 9 grandchildren Lauren Devaney (Michael), Gerald Henn Jr (Annie), Alexa Cassidy (Matte), Meagan Foster (Patrick Bond), Tyler Foster, Taryn Scanlan (Justin), Kathleen Foster, Michael Bogner (Mary) and Michelle Simpson (Roger) and bonus grandchildren Amanda Rango (Ryan), Ashley Blanchard (Buddy) and Adam Ramseyer (Devan), and 21 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Frances Foster and brother William.

There will be a family only service, January 28, 2024, at 11am at the chapel on The Village Network campus followed by a Celebration of Life Party at the Gault Center also on The Village Network Campus 2803 Akron Road, Wooster Ohio to which all are invited. He was cremated and his ashes will be inurned at The Columbarium at Culver Military Academy chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Don's honor to The Village Network 2000 Noble Rd. Wooster OH 44691, or the charity of the donor's choice.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting www.heylfuneralhome.com