Rodney Leroy Foster passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 93 years old. Rodney was born on June 29, 1933, in Elk City to Lawrence Ray Foster and Helen Lucille (Ortner) Foster. He spent his early childhood in Hitchcock before moving to Hinton, where he graduated from Hinton High School in 1952.

During high school, he was active in Future Farmers of America, serving as an officer for two years, participated in basketball and football and worked summers building grain elevators.

Rodney attended Oklahoma A&M before proudly serving in the United States Army from 1955 to 1957, including 18 months in southern Japan with the 360th Attachment at Itazuke Air Base.

He continued his military service for six years in the U.S. Army Reserve with the 95th Division.

After earning a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in education from Central State College and a master’s degree from Oklahoma City University, Rodney began a career in education.

He taught biology and other sciences at Putnam City High School for 26 years before retiring in 1987. He then devoted himself full-time to farming and ranching, raising wheat and cattle on the Foster family homestead.

On Nov. 1, 1968, Rodney married the love of his life, Kathy Ann Stevens. Their marriage was built on love, faith, mutual respect and an unwavering commitment to one another.

Together they shared more than five decades of life, creating a home centered on family, hard work and enduring values. They raised two daughters, Michelle and Amy.

The family grew to include Michelle’s husband, Scott Hooper, and Amy’s husband, Daniel Clinkenbeard.

Rodney was a proud grandfather to Mason Hooper (Kylie), Megan Hooper, Matthew Hooper, Andrew Clinkenbeard (Toni), Jacob Clinkenbeard (Kate) and Abigail Clinkenbeard.

Time spent with Kathy, their children and grandchildren was the greatest blessing of his life.

Rodney was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence Ray Foster and Helen Lucille Foster, and his brother, Lawrence Ray Foster, Jr.

Rodney will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, educator, farmer and rancher.

He lived a life defined by integrity, humility, hard work and service to others.

His greatest legacy was the love he shared with Kathy and the family they built together.

His quiet strength, gentle spirit and steadfast devotion to those he loved will be remembered always and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Viewing at Mercer-Adams Funeral Service in Bethany is 1 to 5 p.m. Friday, July 31.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Metropolitan Bible Church, Oklahoma City. To share condolences, visit www. mercer-adams.com.