Thomas R. Foster

Thomas Rolfe Foster, age 77, of Coos Bay, Oregon, formerly of Gallipolis, Ohio, passed away in Coos Bay, May 1st, 2025.

Born November 17, 1947, in Gallipolis, Ohio, Tom’s life was defined by his generosity, work ethic, devotion to community, and his love for people. He was the son of Philip Foster and Marie Skidmore Foster.

Tom began his railroad career at the age of 18 and dedicated 49 years to the railroad industry, working for eight different railroads and moving 12 times across the United States. Although he retired in 2006, his passion for railroads brought him to Coos Bay in 2011, where he helped rebuild the local line until 2014. One of his proudest accomplishments was leading the Puget Sound and Pacific Railroad, where he helped move soybean meal from the Midwest to Grays Harbor—transforming the port into a thriving export hub.

Tom’s work ethic was evident from an early age—selling newspapers at nine years old and helping at his father’s coal yard by fourteen. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Tom lived with purpose and extraordinary generosity. He had a gift for making others feel seen, supported, and valued. His passion for helping others was a constant thread throughout his life, as was his unwavering support of education, the arts, and community service. He served on the board of the Coos Art Museum, and for 20 years was a dedicated board member of the Kala Art Institute in Berkeley, California.

Tom supported the Oregon Coast Music Association in Coos Bay. In his hometown of Gallipolis, he sponsored two organizations close to his heart, the John Gee Black Historical Center and the Gallipolis Railroad Freight Station Museum.

He was a devoted member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, where he and Carol attended regularly. He was also a loyal member of Downtown Health & Fitness, where he made many friends and where he met Carol. He was an original member of the men’s fitness group, the Men of Steel.

Tom loved reflecting on his life through storytelling. He participated in a writing group where he shared personal stories and cherished memories.

Tom had a deep love for travel. He celebrated his grand-nephew's high school graduation by taking him on a trip abroad, and he and Carol  made several memorable trips to Europe.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Carol Foster; his niece, Leigh Ann Roach and her husband, Jeff of Gallipolis, Ohio; his grand-nephew, Philip Hollingshead and his fiancée, Alyssa Parsio of Columbus, Ohio; his grand-niece, Hannah Bailey, her husband, Justin, and their children, daughter, Adley and son, Lincoln of Bidwell, Ohio; his special cousin, Patty Sprague of Bidwell, Ohio; and many other beloved cousins.

He is also survived by Carol’s daughter, Shawn Puckett and her husband, Buddy; their daughters, Emily and Molly, and Molly’s husband, Parker, all of Salem, Oregon; and Carol’s daughter, Shelley Beyer, her husband JB, and their son, Nicholas, of St. Helens, Oregon.

Tom cherished lasting friendships that spanned from childhood, college, and his railroad career. Among his dearest lifelong friends were Tom McMann, Danny Chick, Ed Garvey, Tom Murray, Roy Nott, Gary Nelson, Chuck Spitulnik, and Mike Swisher.

Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Layne of Bidwell, Ohio; his special cousin, Betty Skidmore of Bidwell, Ohio; his father, Philip Foster (1990); and his mother, Marie Skidmore (1985), both of Bidwell, Ohio.

A memorial service, conducted by Pastor Gene Armstrong, will be held in Bidwell, Ohio, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, at 2pm, Saturday, May 31. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held from 2:00pm - 4:00pm, Saturday, June 7 at the Black Market Gourmet, 495 Central Avenue in Coos Bay.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thomas R. Foster, please visit our floral store.