David Foster

David J. Foster, 83, of Springfield, died September 24, 2013. He died as he had lived, with courage, dignity and grace.
David was born July 12, 1930, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to David H. Foster and Rita C. Shuck Foster. He graduated from Will Rogers High School, Tulsa, and from Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College, Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Following graduation, he served for two years as a commissioned officer in the 45th Artillery in Korea. Following the end of the war, he worked for several years in the aerospace industry, in Tulsa, and in California, for Boeing, McDonnel-Douglas, and others. He worked on the Apollo project, as well as designing silos for intercontinental missiles.
David later achieved a life-long dream by earning a law degree and opening a law office in Southern California, where he practiced for a number of years. After retiring from the law, he worked with his wife, Melita Waters, to develop the company, Easy to Read Documents, which produces documents in Braille and large print. The firm specializes in menus for restaurant chains, including Red Robin, Chili’s, Macaroni Grill, Starbucks, and others. Ms. Waters is certified as a Braille transcriptionist by the Library of Congress. The goal of her company is to provide unfailingly correct and accurate Braille documents.
Because of advances in assistive technology, and software programs which David and Melita helped to develop, she will continue to run the business by herself.
David was a member of the VFW, and was active in programs for the blind and for users of guide dogs, especially GDUC, Guide Dog Friends, and other assisting organizations.
David was a skilled wood worker, making much of the office furniture for Ms. Waters’ personal use. He was a garden designer, creating a fantasy forest for their home in Springfield.
David is survived by his wife, Melita Waters, of the home; two sons, David Jr. and family of Benton, Kentucky and Alan Foster, California; a sister, Mary Louise Foster of Springfield, a number of cousins and relatives, and a host of friends.
Private services will be held later.
The family wishes to extend special thanks and gratitude to Hospice and Palliative Care for their loving care and kindness during Dave’s illness.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.