Robert Gray Foster

Robert Gray Foster, of Hammond, Louisiana, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the age of 81. He was born on Saturday, November 13, 1943, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of the late Thomas Rigby Foster Jr. and the Etta Mae Gray Foster. Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother. He graduated from Hammond High School in 1961 and proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1962 to 1966. He worked for IBM for 32 years until his retirement in 2000. In his retirement, Robert was involved in countless hobbies and activities in the community. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 160 for over 50 years, held a black belt in Karate and was also an instructor, and was an avid traveler and RV'ed with his wife all over the country for over 12 years. Robert was also a hunter, pilot, golfer, whittler, and auctioneer. He was adventurous, loved the outdoors, and was talented in so many areas. Robert touched many lives and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Robert is survived by his wife of 19 years, Kathy Kolp Foster; brother, Mayson Foster (Connie); children, Tammy Foster Breiding (Peter), Shelly Foster Graves (Jimmy), Nicole "Nikki" Rinker, and George "Chip" Rinker (Jessica Linton); grandchildren, Tara Unruh (Cody), Matthew Breiding (Kayla Adams), Kaycee Sells (John Littleton), Allyssa "Ally" Beatty, Kaitlyn Bunch (Kenneth), and Macy Rinker; great grandsons, Cooper and Carter Unruh; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Rigby Foster, III, and sister, Carolyn Foster Lemings.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm. A Funeral Service with Masonic and Military Honors will be held at 2:00 pm, with Bro. Carlin Sanders officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Robert's memory to your favorite veterans assistance organization or the Livingston Masonic Lodge No. 160, 153 S Cypress St, Hammond, LA 70403.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.