Robert Clem Foster, 90, of Poplar Grove, Illinois passed away May 14, 2023. On August 17, 1932. Robert was born in his grandparents' home in Boswell, Indiana. He was the son of Ruby (Melson) and Clement Foster.

He attended a single room schoolhouse in Tab, Indiana in his early years. He graduated from Reynolds, Indiana high school in a graduating class of only 13. His work ethic began at an early age. He set pins in a bowling alley in Hoopeston, IL, picked up garbage with his best friend to help his family raise pigs, cleaned milk cans, worked as a carpenter, and mowed cemeteries. He worked alongside his family to start and run the iconic Green Gables Restaurant in Reynolds.

Robert was the first in his family to attend college. He graduated from Purdue University with a pharmacy degree in May of 1954.

On July 17, 1954, he married the love of his life, Nancy, and together they shared two children and 68 years of marriage.

Robert served in the US Army. He trained at Fort Leonard Wood and was stationed at the St. Louis Medical Depot and in Ota, Japan during the Korean War. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity at Purdue University. Robert was a Master Mason and member of the Monticello, Indiana Lodge #154 as well as a 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite of the Valley of Chicago.

Robert set a high standard for life and his professional career. He began as a salesman at Parke Davis and led sales throughout consecutive years. He successfully created, ran, and grew several businesses. Most recently, he worked as the North American Operations Manager for HELVI Incorporated, an Italian welding equipment manufacturer where he continued to travel to Europe and attend industry trade shows. Robert decided to retire last year at age 89.

Robert was an accomplished pilot for more than 60 years. He acquired his pilot's license with the help of the GI bill and accumulated over 10,000 hours as a general aviation pilot. He owned 17 different airplanes, which he used to fly himself on business trips and family vacations.

Robert was well traveled and lived in many different places including Tab, IN, Reynolds, IN, Ota, Japan, Elk Grove Village, IL; Hampshire, IL, Colleyville, TX; Monticello, IN; and Poplar Grove, IL.

He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Foster; children, Matt (Sarah), Jennifer (James), and grandchildren Thomas, James, Nyla, and Declan.

He is preceded in death by Clement Walter Foster, Ruby Lucille Melson, and brother Max Lee Foster.

Robert's visitation will be Sunday, May 21, 2023 between the hours of 5 and 7pm at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services. Located at 218 W. Hurlbut Ave. Belvidere, IL 61008.

Funeral services will be held Monday, May 22, 2023 at 11am at Anderson Funeral Home.

Burial at Locust Grove Cemetery in Ambia, Indiana on Tuesday, May 23 at 1pm EST.