Phillip Foster

Phillip Walter Foster, 86 of Shabbona, IL passed away Tuesday April 7 2026 in his home with his loving wife Shirley beside him.

Phil was born to Floyd & Ruby Foster on March 26, 1940. He married the love of his life, Shirley Walzer Foster on December 26, 1959. The two shared 66 beautiful years together.

An innovator, a business leader, an avid golfer, an active member of his community, a captivating storyteller, Phil made it his mission to love people, serve people, and leave his community a better place. Phil was known far and wide for his generosity to everyone he met. He was a dedicated and loving husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa!

In earlier days, Phil worked at and then purchased the Lee Blacksmith Shop (LBI) in 1960. He worked and built up the business until 1977 when he sold it. He then started Farmers Factory Co. (FFC) with his daughter Annie in 1982. Phil designed and patented a number of pieces of equipment; many of which are still used today. Over the course of his life, Phil’s talents and background included, Fire Chief, Pilot, Member of School Board, community groups, and Painter.

Phil was never happier, than when surrounded by family. Never one to run shy of stories to share, he could often be found surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren telling stories, cracking jokes, and offering encouragement and wisdom. Until the day he passed, Phil’s terrific sense of humor outlasted any pain he had. He was always quick to smile and offer a hug.

Deeply important to Phil was his Catholic Faith in God and Jesus Christ. He woke up early each morning to spend multiple hours in prayer for his family, his friends, his community, and his country. His faith lent him to being extremely generous, kind and loving.

Phil is survived by his wife, Shirley; sons: Chip (Dea) Foster of Maple Park, Charlie (Patty) Foster of Shabbona, Jerry (Sue) Foster of Shabbona; son-in-law Daniel Sanderson of Malta; grandchildren: Kyle (Gresha) Foster, Brock Foster, Camden (Kelli) Foster, Trevor Foster, Tyler Foster, Seth (Lauren) Sanderson, Kalia (John) Switzer, and Sara (Brandon) Hershey; and 13 great-grandchildren. Phil is also survived by his sister Carolyn and many nieces and nephews.

Phil is preceded in death by his dear daughter Diane (Annie) Sanderson, his parents Floyd & Ruby, and his brother & sister-in-law Dean & Nancy Foster.

Cremation care has been provided by Torman Funeral Home. The wake will be held from 4:00 to 8:00pm on Thursday, April 16th at St. James Catholic Church Parish Hall in Lee, IL. Funeral Mass will be Friday, April 17, 2026, 11:00am at St. James Catholic Church in Lee, IL. Friends are invited to join for lunch and celebration of life at the St. James Church Parish Hall following the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Judes Children’s Hospital in Phil’s memory. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.