Whitesville, NY -L. Eugene "Gene" Foster of Whitesville passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2013, at the Alcore Health Services in Horseheads. He was born on June 3, 1932 in the Foster Homestead to Archie R. and Fannie Clark Foster. On October 13, 1956 in West Field Pennsylvania he married Shirley Haskins who survives.
Gene was a lifelong resident of the Whitesville area who graduated from Whitesville Central High School in 1949. He grew up on the family farm and later ran his own dairy farm on the McCurdy Road. Gene had been a volunteer driver for meals on wheels, a member of the North Hill Rod and Gun Club, the Grange, Cooperative Extension and was a board member of the Farms Home Administration. Gene loved country music and along with his band, the Western Wildcats, played country music at many of the local venues. He will be remembered as an avid Whitesville Blue Jay Sports fan that enjoyed watching the games. Gene was loved by family, friends and community for his sense of humor, storytelling, banjo playing and collections of assorted farm implements and auction treasures.
Surviving beside his wife Shirley include a daughter, Jane Foster of Shongo; a son Douglas Foster of Shinglehouse, PA.; 3 granddaughters, Tiffany (Eric) Miller, Elizabeth Kellogg and Catherine Kellogg; 2 great grandsons, Preston and Anderson; 2 sisters, Vivian Bassett of Alfred and Dorotha Harris of Whitesville; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gene was predeceased by his parents; an infant daughter; 3 sisters, Fannie McGill, Francelia McGraw and Loie Odell; 2 brothers, William and Archie "Ed" Foster.
Friends are invited to attend a graveside memorial service in the Whitesville Cemetery on Wednesday, September 4, at 1 pm with Rev. Christian Mattison presiding. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home in Wellsville. To leave on line condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.