Stephen D. Foster, 21, a native of Tampa, Florida, passed away at his home on June 11, 2019. He worked as a Sales Representative for a Tree Service.
He was an American that was very proud of his country and the Red, White and Blue of the American Flag. He had a deep desire to join the military; however, his health precluded that dream. Stephen did 4 years in Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (NJROTC) from 2012-2015. He was a Cadet Petty Officer 2nd Class and he graduated from Basic Leadership Training Course twice. He was a member of the Orienteering Team, where he competed with them and I also have a list of his awards if needed. In NJROTC, he was Platoon Commander of 8th Platoon.
He always enjoyed dressing up for the Fourth of July. Stephen loved to ride his motorcycle, loved to cook elaborate meals, and kittens and bunnies. He prided himself as a ‘Know it all” and was almost always right! He had a laugh and sense of humor that was contagious. He liked being known as “The Stephen Foster”.
He is survived by his parents, Josephine and Mark Ingram; sister, Kailynn Foster; father, Adam Foster; grandmothers, Catherine Dohs and Brenda Perry; great-grandparents, Pat and Harley Young; aunt, Elizabeth Hirst; cousin; and many friends.
A Visitation and a Funeral Service are scheduled for Saturday, June 22, 2019, at the Grace Family Church, 5101 Van Dyke Road, Lutz, Florida 33558. The Visitation will commence at 10:00AM and the Service will follow at 11:00AM.
Stephen was always a joy to be around. He had such an infectious laugh that made you want to laugh right along with him. I will miss and love my son always. You are so dear to my heart. I must trust God and lean not on my own understanding. Love you son,Dad
The gift of a son will always have a special place in your hearts. Believing you are in heaven with no more pain and no more sickness. You will be so missed by all your family and friends. Your life was cut short but you will live on foreverin our hearts and memories of you. God bless you both Josie and Mark and may the Loving Arms of Jesus hold you close as you get through this loss. We are sending love hugs and prayers to you both. Love you my sweet sister in Christ :-)
Stephen was a joy to be around. He was a blessing to all who knew him. He really was a know it all!
But that was because if he said something, he was always right!
He and I also agreed on just about every topic and even though he had his limitations (like we all do) this guy had a heart that was SO HUGE I’ll be doing it a disservice to try and describe it. But he gave everything and everyone his ALL and it was an honor and a privilege to know him.
I’ll see him one day with Jesus so in that I find peace.
/salute
I am truly very sorry for your loss. I only knew Stephen through my son Logan Zolman and JROTC but he did spend the night at our house a few times. Those young men love their country and their motorcyces. I pray for your comfort.
I tried my best to be strong and be there for your family. Presenting the flag to your mother is one of the hardest things I’ve done in my life. Please understand that we all loved you very much. We will meet again someday.
Santos
Sitting here on the stairs waiting for your footsteps. Sometimes I think I hear the garage door opening & temporarily think your coming home. I miss your smell & laugh, your sassy & fiery temper. I miss your beard hairs all over your bathroom. I miss your daily calls & text & being sassy about dinner & laundry. I sure miss you sitting in your seat to eat dinner with us. It’s really hard to find joy or even get out of bed without you being here. Oh gosh we just love you so much!!! I still pull into the driveway and move my car out of the way so your bike can fit through , forgetting forgetting that you’re not coming home. I loved our last trip that we had just come home from , a week before you passed away. I am thankful for that time with you but it wasn’t enough, I want you home now. I want more time! I’m trying to imagine you in heaven with a giant bunny & maincoon kitty assigned just to you. Love you so much , mom
I miss you every day. We all still think of you and will forever have so much love for you. When I cook a new recipe I think of you, I honor you. Always my friend, my brother. Until we meet again, I love you bro
I still miss you every day brother, riding around in my old black 350z and hanging fliers on mailboxes for your dad that you always said very good things about, I remember The first day I met Him and realized why you always said good things about him. I remember Hanging out at drip and always roasting each other for our opinions on what cars were the best but in the end always agreeing that you are the only one who needs to love your build. Stephen you were such a good friend, a good son to your parents, just an overall great soul, and I’ll never forget that. Thank you for showing me the light in this world while you had the chance
It’s been 2 years. Every time I am involved in some stupid Army drunken barracks adventure, I always think to myself how I would love to tell you about it. You would also love the dog that Josie and Mark have now. He’s a trip.
Wish you could see my car and driver’s license and all that other adult stuff and wish you could see where I am. To you I am probably still that 15 year old freshman. But so it goes.
Santos
Stephen I’ll never forget that night we rode to Johnny Vapors. You kept up and ran with me across the Howard Franklin and we had a great time. I wish I left with you man, and that I didn’t leave later. Wish I could have rode with you more, but I’ll keep these two wheels rolling in your name.
May your roads stay dry and your tank always be full, till Valhalla.
Miss you man! I was just on leave, and visited Alyssa and Zolman where they work and talked about you. I didn’t realize how much I am still hurting by what you did until I spoke to my girlfriend about it some weeks ago…I wish you could meet her. Her name is Sofia and she’s honestly out of this world and I know you would probably say what is she thinking being with a Neanderthal like me, or some other smartass remark…..but I know you’re up there looking down saying “Finally Santos, thought you were a fairy!” followed by your maniacal laugh. Love you man.
P.S. stopping power is not a myth. .45 is a good round and you’re just a hater