Bill Iven Foster

Bill Iven Foster, age 78, of Jefferson City, passed away Friday, January 10, 2025, at Capital Region Medical Center.

Bill was born on December 23, 1946, in Crockett, Arkansas, the son of William Ethery “Buck” and Flora Mae (Bolton) Foster. He was married on December 16, 2008, in Hawaii to Irene Heckemeyer, who survives.

Bill was primarily raised in Piggott, Arkansas and was a 1964 graduate of Piggott High School. Following his education, he made the honorable decision to join the Army National Guard. He served from 1964 to 1970, and was assigned to secret communications, contributing to national security during his tenure.

Bill Foster had a diverse and accomplished professional career spanning several decades. Early in his career, Bill excelled in the private sector, notably as the Owner and CEO of Brown Window Company, Inc., a successful manufacturer and installer of thermal glass and doors, and as a Regional Sales Manager for Expander Americas Inc. His work in manufacturing and engineering included positions with General Steel Industries and McQuay-Perfex Corp., where he managed quality control, product development, and industrial engineering.

He also dedicated time to his community, serving as a State Senator for the 25th District of Missouri (2001-2004), State Representative for the 156th District of Missouri (1993-2001), and Mayor of Poplar Bluff, Mo. While in these positions, he was instrumental in shaping policies for education, agriculture, and children’s protective services as well as building the RR bridge overpass and the Poplar Bluff Fire Station. Taking after his father, Bill was a skilled homebuilder and developer. He designed and constructed over 100 homes across three subdivisions, where he left a lasting legacy through his community projects.

Bill worked with the Department of Natural Resources in various capacities. He began as an Ombudsman investigating complaints and working to improve effectiveness and public image and later held several leadership positions, including Program Director for the Soil and Water Conservation Program and Director of the Financial Assistance Center.

He served as a public servant and legislative aide, including roles as Chief of Staff and Legislative Assistant for Representative and Senator Wayne Wallingford. In these capacities, he developed legislation, addressed constituent concerns, and collaborated with state agencies. Bill was currently employed as the Assistant Deputy Director of the Missouri Department of Revenue.

Bill was a man of unwavering faith and was deeply involved in his church regardless of the city he was calling home. He taught Sunday school for 30 years, served as a youth minister for five years, and was a Junior Church Minister for a decade. He was Chairman of the Board of Trustees, the Board Chairman of Southern Missouri Christian School, a cabinet member of Gideons International, Vice Chair of the Finance Committee at Concord Baptist Church. He was also a member of the First Church of God in Poplar Bluff.

Bill truly had a heart for Jesus and demonstrated a lifelong commitment to faith-based leadership and education. Due to his faith, Bill provided peace to others in times of hardship, could handle even life’s most stressful moments with a sense of calm, and found happiness in the joy of others. His willingness to share his faith openly, led those around him to seek a relationship with Jesus for themselves.

Bill was a world traveler. He and Irene enjoyed a trip to Tahiti, he cherished many elk hunting trips to Colorado, and he visited all 50 states among many other bucket list items he was able to check off the list.

He will be remembered for his humble demeanor, his incredible work ethic and his genuine concern for his fellow man. He was known for his love for the word “wonderful” and he has left the world a more wonderful place. He will be dearly missed by those who were blessed to know him.

He is survived by: his wife, Irene Foster; daughter, Karmen Carson (Brandon) of Poplar Bluff; two step-sons, Richard Holtmeyer (Amanda) of Lake of the Ozarks and Travis Holtmeyer (Ashley) Jefferson City; eight grandchildren, Kamille Carson, Keaton Carson, Natalie Holtmeyer, Emma Holtmeyer, Grace Holtmeyer, Bryson Holtmeyer, Blake Holtmeyer, and Carter Holtmeyer; two siblings, Ollie Hardee of Webb City and Marvin Foster (Patricia) of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; sisters-in-law, Melba Foster, Dianne Heckemeyer and Becky Heckemeyer; three brothers-in-law, Pat Heckemeyer, Richard (Jan) Heckemeyer, Jim (Karen) Heckemeyer; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Melvin Foster and his wife Muriel and Donald Foster; and two brothers-in-law, Gene Heckemeyer and Dennis Heckemeyer.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Concord Baptist Church, 3724 W Truman Blvd, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109.

Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Concord Baptist Church with the Reverend Dr. Monte Shinkle officiating. Full military honors will be rendered to conclude the service at the church. A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday by going to the church’s website, www.concordjc.org/watch-live.

An additional visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. Sunday, January 19, 2025, at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral Home in Poplar Bluff with a funeral service following at 1:30 p.m. Sunday with the Reverend Ray Rowland officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Piggott Memorial Gardens in Piggott, Arkansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Vision 3:16, P.O. Box 105733, Jefferson City, MO 65110 or The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary in Jefferson City and Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral and Cremation Services in Poplar Bluff.