Thomas "Bud" Foster

Tom Foster, 84, Topeka, passed away quietly on April 26, 2011, surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was born November 27, 1926 to Thomas Wilson Foster and Mabel B. Quiett, in Salina, Ks. He spent most of his life in Topeka, graduating from Topeka High School in 1944. He enlisted in the US Navy and served on the USS Nashville in the Pacific during WWII. Tom also served in support of the Korean War. In 1948, Tom began a stellar career with the Topeka Fire Department. He was active in almost every aspect of firefighting. He worked tirelessly with Local 83 Firefighters Union to improve working conditions, ensuring they received the proper training and equipment they needed to perform their job to the highest standard. Tom was one of the very first to be a Certified Emergency Medical Tech "EMT" in the area and also the first to be certified in the department to train others in the field as an EMIC. Tom oversaw the purchase and implementation of the first Rescue Truck and saw its transition to the First Responder system we see today. Tom conducted fire schools with Departments in smaller communities throughout the state to ensure they were adequately trained to utilize modem firefighting techniques. He served as a lobbyist to the Kansas legislature to promote fire safety and address concerns of all firefighters in Kansas. He also served as president of the Kansas Fire Fighters Association. Tom rose quickly in the ranks of the Department retiring in 1975 as an Assistant Fire Chief. Upon his retirement, Tom worked for Stormont Vail Hospital setting up their ambulance service and training their personnel in emergency medical treatment. Tom was also active in VFW Post 1650 for many years serving as the Post Club Manager, an active "Cootie" serving as head "Seam Squirrel" and served in all capacities at the Post including Post Commander. Tom was a member of the Arab Shrine and Eagles Lodge. Tom will be remembered for his quick humor, gentle nature, and his undying love for his wife of more than 60 Years, "Swede", who died in December 2008, He is survived by 5 children, Craig (Janice) Foster of Bunker Hill, W.VA, Amie (Amos) Harrison, Brent (Sandy) Foster, Suzy Swanson and Neal (Ronda) Foster, 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Visitation will be this evening from 6 to 8 at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka KS 66614. Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday April 29, 2011 at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, 6th and Gage. Contributions can be made to VFW Post 1650, 3110 SW Huntoon, Topeka, KS 66604 or Midland Hospice, 200 Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606.

Thomas "Bud" Foster

November 27, 1926 - April 29, 2011