Gary Keith Foust

Gary Keith Foust, 84, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, hard work, and joyful living. Born in Oilton, Oklahoma, Gary was the son of an Assembly of God lay minister who later became a pastor, leading the family to various homes across California and New Mexico during Gary’s childhood. Gary graduated from Farmington High School in Farmington, New Mexico, in 1960. Soon after, he moved to California, where a snazzy red-and-white Chevy Impala convertible carried him straight into the next chapter of his life. He famously arrived at Carol’s house in that car to take her to her first day of senior year, and he was there every morning after that. Having met Carol at church when she was in junior high, Gary often said he knew even then that he would marry her. True to his word, he moved back to California to pursue that promise. They became engaged and were married on October 21, 1961, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned a lifetime. Gary worked at Safeway in Lodi, California, before he and Carol moved to Arkansas to purchase a farm. A man never afraid of hard work, Gary farmed in Prairie Grove, where he raised cattle, chickens, hogs, and blueberries. Alongside farming, he cleaned chicken houses and spread chicken manure throughout Northwest Arkansas. Ever entrepreneurial, he also owned a four-county Colonial Bread franchise while continuing to farm. For several years, Gary worked in the oil fields of Alaska while Carol and his father faithfully kept the farm running. Later, the family moved to Rogers, Arkansas, where Gary became a truck driver for Walmart. He retired in 1997 after many dedicated years on the road. Gary dearly loved his family and took immense pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-granddaughters. Though he never enjoyed being the disciplinarian, he led by example, demonstrating faith, commitment to family, a love of fun, and the value of hard work. He was a constant supporter, helping with Tami’s science fair projects and coaching Keith’s Little League baseball teams. He was the life of the party whenever friends gathered, quick with a smile, a joke, and a story. A gifted woodcarver, Gary created treasured heirlooms that will remain in the family for generations. He taught his granddaughter Kaitlyn to carve, and together they crafted a hand-carved walking stick with inlaid turquoise. His carvings included a buffalo, Native American busts and figures, a Civil War soldier bust, Santas, and countless spoons and kitchen utensils. Gary and Carol shared a love for riding their e-bikes, often cycling 20–23 miles on days warmer than 50 degrees. He also volunteered for many years at Bread of Life, a food pantry ministry of First United Methodist Church of Springdale. An avid reader, Gary finished three to four books each week. He loved classic cowboy movies and television series and could recite much of the dialogue from his favorite spaghetti westerns. He enjoyed hiking and camping, with Rocky Mountain National Park holding a special place in his heart. Gary deeply loved the mountains, lakes, and aspens of Colorado and never passed up a chance to enjoy lobster in Maine. Gary was always ready for the next adventure. Whether traveling across the United States, Mexico, or Europe with friends and family, he happily followed wherever Carol suggested. He found special joy in playing with and teasing his children and grandchildren. Family departures with Julia often included playful chases around the car to land the “last hit.” He also enjoyed playing online games with his grandsons Spencer and Mathew and teaching them to play chess. His grandchildren especially treasure the many memories they shared with him, including beach vacations, bike rides, family game nights, pedicures with the girls, long family walks, picnics at Devil’s Den, watching old Westerns together, and listening to his stories about Alaska. They will always remember his warm, welcoming hugs, his smile, and the way they always felt his love. Gary 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 to family and friends. His life was a blessing, and his memory will be cherished always. A memorial service honoring Gary's life will be held on Friday, March 13th, 2026, at First United Methodist Church in Springdale, starting at 11 AM.

Gary Keith Foust

September 26, 1941 - March 10, 2026