Gary Keith Foust

Gary Keith Foust, 84, of Springdale, Arkansas, passed away after a life marked by deep faith, unwavering commitment to family, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone around him.

Born in Oilton, Oklahoma, to an Assembly of God lay minister who later became a pastor, Gary spent his childhood moving across California and New Mexico. He graduated from Farmington High School in Farmington, New Mexico, in 1960. Soon afterward, he returned to California, where he began his lifelong love story with Carol. Having met her at church when she was in junior high, Gary often said he knew even then that he would marry her. He famously arrived at her house in a red-and-white Chevy Impala convertible to take her to her first day of senior year and continued doing so every morning after. They became engaged and married on October 21, 1961, beginning a devoted partnership that lasted a lifetime.

A man who embraced hard work, Gary began his career at Safeway in Lodi, California, before he and Carol moved to Arkansas to purchase a farm in Prairie Grove. There he raised cattle, chickens, hogs, and blueberries, while also cleaning chicken houses and spreading manure across Northwest Arkansas. Ever entrepreneurial, he owned a four-county Colonial Bread franchise even as he continued farming. For several years he worked in the oil fields of Alaska while Carol and his father kept the farm running. Later, the family settled in Rogers, where Gary became a truck driver for Walmart, retiring in 1997 after many dedicated years.

Gary took great pride in his family and led by quiet example, showing his children and grandchildren the importance of faith, hard work, and finding joy in life. He supported Tami with her science fair projects and coached Keith’s Little League teams. A gifted woodcarver, he created lasting family heirlooms, including a hand-carved walking stick with inlaid turquoise that he made with his granddaughter Kaitlyn. He loved riding e-bikes with Carol, often cycling 20 to 23 miles on days warmer than 50 degrees, volunteering at Bread of Life food pantry, reading several books each week, watching classic cowboy movies, and spending time in the mountains and lakes of Colorado.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; his children, Tamara Posey (Steven) and Gary “Keith” Foust Jr. (Dayna); his grandchildren, Matthew Posey (Destiny), Spencer Foust (Kate), Kaitlyn Posey, and Julia Foust; and his great-grandchildren, Lorelei Posey and Peyton Posey. He is also survived by his brother, Bill Foust (Betsy); his sister, Cindy Branshaw (Doug); and many dearly loved nephews, nieces, great-nephews, and great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his father, William W. Foust; his mother, Sylvia Alexander Foust; and his sister, Ramona Silveira.

Gary will be remembered for his steady faith, generous heart, playful spirit, and the deep love he gave so freely to family and friends. His life was a blessing, and his memory will be cherished always.