NORTH  PEKIN ~ Jerry F. Foster, 79, of 127 State Street, passed away at 3:24 p.m. Friday, May 15, 2009 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.  He was formerly of Creve Coeur.

Born January 20, 1930 in Kenton, Tennessee to Homer and Anne (Daniel) Foster, he married Geneva Byrd Womble on September 25, 1956 in Corinth, Mississippi.

Surviving are his wife; two sons, Roger Foster of Munford, Tennessee and Gary (Lynne) Womble of Carlsbad, California; two daughters, Melva Hunter of Peoria and Jo (David) Driver of North Pekin; five grandchildren, Todd and Gregg Browder, Michael Driver, Ryan Womble and Erin Jackson;and four great-grandchildren, Kyle, Wade, Cade, and Evan.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers.

Jerry worked for Caterpillar, Inc. in East Peoria for over 30 years, retiring as a machine repairman in 1979.

He served in the United States Navy during World War II.
 
Jerry was a member of the American Legion Post #44 in Pekin, Paul Towne Memorial AMVETS Post #169 in North Pekin (where he held several offices, including past State Commander), Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Salt Springs, Florida, Frank Nicol Masonic Lodge # 1170 AF&AM in Creve Coeur.

He had coached  Little League baseball in Creve Coeur.

Jerry served as trustee on the village boards in both Creve Coeur and North Pekin.  He was elected mayor of Creve Coeur in 1965 and served 1 term.

His funeral will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel.  Visitation will be two hours before the funeral.  Cremation will be accorded following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Amvets Post #169 Scholarship Fund, 660 Radio City Drive, North Pekin, IL  61554.