Russell C. Foist, 97, a resident of Pendleton, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2010, at Hancock Regional Hospital in Greenfield. He was born June 27, 1913, in Bartholomew County, Ind., the son of Clifford C. and Myrtle (Bowman) Foist.
He retired from Guide Lamp Division of General Motors in 1974 where he had been plant superintendent. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the Army Air Corps as a radioman, bombardier and machine gunner flying missions from the Aleutian Islands in the northern Pacific. He moved to this area in 1955 and was a member of Fellowship Lodge F and AM in Anderson and Eden United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Rozella M. (Manis) Foist of Pendleton; children, Sandra Foist (Gene) Platus of Morristown, N.J., Tamara (Robert) Pringle of Cleveland, Ohio and Timothy L. Foist of Salina, Kan. and Cottonwood, Ariz.; sister, Dolas (Jack) Snyder of Anderson; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Gretchen Kleyla, Loretta Beeman and Else Lorraine Stanley; and brother, Calvin Coolige Foist.
Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of the services at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 31, 2010, at Ballard and Sons Funeral Home, 118 South 5th, Middletown. Rev. Sally Dickerson will officiate. Burial will follow in Miller Cemetery, east of Middletown.
Memorials may be made to the Eden United Methodist Church.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.ballardandsons.com.
