Michael Elliott Foster
May 9, 1964 - January 3, 2024
Preceded in death by his mother, Delores Shafer and niece Julie Foster. Survived by his wife, Tanya Foster and his children Riley, Rhett and Reese. Father, Jack Foster, Sr. Brothers, Jack Foster, Jr. and wife, Debbie, Pat Foster and wife, Lisa Foster, Numerous nieces and nephews
Michael Elliott Foster was born Indianapolis Indiana on May 9, 1964 to mother, Dolores Foster and father, Jack Foster, Sr. He was raised with his two brothers, Jack Foster, Jr., and twin brother, Patrick Foster. Being the child of an army officer, the family was relocated many times throughout his childhood living in places, such as Fort Lewis, Washington and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He completed his high school years at Waynesville High School in Waynesville Missouri, where he formed many lifelong friendships.
Following graduation, Mike attended the University of Missouri at Kansas City. There he received a degree in criminal justice and became a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity which became the source of many more lifelong friendships.
After graduating, Mike worked for one year as a student officer for UMKC. He then began his decorated career with the Kansas City Police Department in 1988. Throughout his 29 years at the police department, Mike Worked in a variety of units as a patrolman at east, south and central divisions, tactical unit, street narcotics unit, robbery unit and property crimes unit. He concluded his career as a sergeant in the property crimes unit. He was beloved and respected by his fellow officers and especially by the those he led as sergeant.
In addition to protecting and serving for 29 years, Mike created an amazing, beautiful family that was the highlight of his life. Mike met his wife, Tanya, in 1998 and they were married March 18, 2000, in Liberty, Missouri. They started their family in Liberty with the birth of their first child, Riley Lynn, in 2002. Rhett Michael was born just 14 months later in 2003. Finally, Reese Ellie arrived in 2008. Family was paramount to Mike, and every free moment was spent either watching his children compete in sports, playing with them in the backyard or swimming pool, or snuggling on the couch and watching movies. Mike’s absolute favorite thing to do was take family trips. There were trips to over 25 states to national parks, oceans and mountains. His favorite place to vacation of all was Disney World where roller coasters, shows and pool time dominated the schedule.
Mike was an extremely hard worker always sure to take care of every one of his responsibilities. He loved watching college sports, going to movies, and listening to music. He was grounded in his faith in Christ and set that example every day for his children, friends, and neighbors. He truly built a living legacy of relationships over his years with friends, coworkers, and his dear family.
Funeral Service: 10:00 A.M. Saturday, January 6, 2024.
At the Police Academy Auditorium, 6885 NE Pleasant Valley Rd. Kansas City, MO. 64119.
Visitation: 5-8 P.M. Friday evening at the Auditorium.
Burial: Bellemont Cemetery, Wathena, Kansas, at 1:00 P.M.
Harman-Rohde Funeral Home, Wathena, Kansas in charge of arrangements.
In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Reese Foster College Fund at the greater KC Public Safety Credit Union.
