EVERETT JEFFERSON ?E.J.? FOSTER, JR.

Everett Jefferson ?E.J? Foster, Jr., 91, of Richmond, MO died Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at the Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.
E.J. was born on December 17, 1922 in Hardin, MO to Everett Jefferson and Emily (McGuire) Foster. He first married Alma Louise Lehman of California, MO on August 5, 1945; she preceded him in death on August 1, 1983. He later married Virginia L. White of Richmond on September 10, 1994; she survives of the home.
Survivors include one daughter, Joy E.(Foster) Preiss of Kansas City, MO; two brothers, Ed and Margaret Foster of Liberty, Mo and their children, Cindy, Kathy and Steve, Gene and Darlene Foster of Liberty, Mo and their children, Kevin and Rene?; one granddaughter, Emily Foster, one sister-in-law, Ann Foster of Houston, Tx and her children, Susan, Patti and Judy, one step-son, Bruce White and his wife, Sue of Richmond; one step-daughter, Pamela Thierry and her husband, Mitch of Richmond; two step-grandchildren, Teddy White and his wife, Kelly and Kathryn Mehan; and two step- great-grandsons, Gavin White and Austin Pettiecord; and a step-great-granddaughter, Alexa Mehan. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
In addition to his parents and first wife, E.J. was preceded in death by two sons, Jeff Foster and Gary Foster; one brother, Jim Foster; one sister, Mary Jane Merrell and a son-in-law, Scott Preiss.
E.J. was a custom home builder, building beautiful homes in Ray, Clay and Lafayette counties for much of his life. He worked for Rau Construction Company for 4 years and Jenkins and Blaine Construction Company for 3 years. E.J. was the former Ray County Building Inspector for 11 years. He had a passion for farming and loved being on a tractor. Many great family memories were made on the farm. He was a member of Ada Lodge #444 A.F. & A. M. in Orrick, Mo. He was a member of the Eastern Star, Richmond Shrine Club and the Ararat Temple. E.J. was a member of the Richmond United Methodist Church. He had lived in the Richmond area most of his life.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Richmond United Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at the Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will be Monday, October 6, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. where a masonic service will be held at 1:45 p.m. at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Burial will be in the Richmond Memory Gardens Cemetery.