Donald Foster

Donald Wyeth “Don” Foster, a lifelong resident of Satanta, Kansas, passed away on January 28, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on October 7, 1929, in Satanta, Don was a pillar of his community, known for his dedication to public service and his passion for the land he farmed.

Following his high school graduation in 1947, Don attended Fort Hays State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Industrial Arts in 1952. He was a proud member of the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity. While at college, he met the love of his life, Donna Lee Darby. The two were united in marriage on August 5, 1951, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hays, Kansas, a union that would last for over seven decades. After graduating from college, Don served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 until 1955, instilling in him a deep sense of duty that he carried throughout his life.

Upon his return from service, Don applied his industrious nature to farming, a vocation he held until his retirement in 1990. He was an active member of numerous associations, including the Satanta Chamber of Commerce, where he served as President in 1962, the Southwest Kansas Irrigation Association, and the Southwest Royalty Owners Association. Moreover, his dedication to his community was evident in his service on the advisory boards of the Southwest Kansas Juvenile Detention Center, the Haskell County Development Committee, and the County Health Organization. Donald also served 10 years as City of Satanta Police Judge, 10 years as Dudley Township Justice of the Peace, and was a member of the Satanta Grade School and USD #507 School boards for 14 years. His dedication to public service culminated in his eight-year term as a County Commissioner.

In his leisure time, Don was an avid golfer and collector of vintage golf clubs and logo balls. He played a significant role in the development of the Cimarron Valley Golf Course and served on its advisory board. He was also an avid reader, always eager to learn and grow. Travel was another passion of Don's; he and Donna visited many countries, including Spain, Italy, Colombia, Tahiti, and even sailed around the Horn of South America.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Foster; children, Robert Foster and wife Laura of Wichita, KS, Stephanie Gomez and husband Art of Scott City, KS, and Troy Foster of Overland Park, KS; granddaughters, Skyla Foster and husband Daniel of Wichita, KS and Erin Shilling and husband Chris of Manhattan, KS; and great-grandchildren, Garrett Foster, Amelia Shilling, and Elleanor Shilling.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, Herbert “Hub” and Noma Foster; brother, Clayton Bayne Foster; and sisters, Reba Nevin Ross and Maurine Kiehne.

There will be no viewing as cremation has taken place.

Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at Dudley Township Cemetery with Pastor Rafael Cortes officiating.

Memorial contributions can be made payable to Dudley Township Library, or the Satanta Alumni Scholarship Fund in care of Weeks Family Funeral Home & Crematory, PO Box 1200, Sublette, KS 67877. Condolences may be left online at WeeksFamilyFuneralHome.com