Richard “Skip” Link Foster, 63, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away Thursday May 2, 2024, after a short battle with cancer. He was born September 16, 1960, in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of Richard “Dick” H. Foster and Susan G. (Link) Bremer.
Skip graduated from Platte County High School in 1979, Coffeyville Community College in 1980, and Missouri Western in 1984.
In 1983, he and Tammy Renae Kretzer married, and together they had a son, James Spencer Foster. They later divorced. He married the love of his life, Pama Gay Grewell, in July of 1993, in a boot shop/wedding chapel in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Together they had a daughter, Shelby Leigh Foster, and a son, Patrick Gage Foster.
Skip spent much of his career as the Head Football Coach at Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College, later coaching in the Arena Football League. The past 10 years of his life were dedicated to managing the tree farm at Lawrence Landscape.
Skip loved adventures with Gay, bulldogs, attending sporting events, family gatherings, barbequing, tending to his yard, good conversation, and spending time with his four grandsons.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, and his three children: Spencer (& Anna), Shelby and Gage – plus his grandchildren: Mitchell, Will, Dillon, and Henry. Skip’s siblings also survive him: Dinah (& Glen) Westervelt, deAnne Trave, Scoot (& Shell) Foster, Jon (& Amie) Bremer, Wayne (& Shelly) Warren, and Mike Warren; as do brother-in-law, Melvin Grame, and Gay’s sister, Robin Grewell-Hines. Skip’s stepmother, Karen Foster, and in-laws Gary Grewell and Pam & Bill Williamson also survive him – as does Spencer’s mother, Tammy (& Wolf) Schmidt. There are far too many other family and friends to list, but Skip loved each of them in a special way.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Debbie Grame, and his parents Richard “Dick” Foster, and Wayne & Susan (Link) Bremer.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at River City Church, 3001 Lawrence Ave., Lawrence Kansas, Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. Services will be under the direction of Pastor Ed Mease.
Live-streaming will be available at: https://findandfollowjesus.org/memorial.
Memorials may be given in Skip’s name to the Coffeyville Community College Foundation (400 W. 11th St, Coffeyville, Kansas 67337).
Skip is a legend in everyday life as well as on the football field. He has made a lasting impression on everyone he came to know. I am honored to have known him and feel blessed that I could follow him as coach. So sorry Gay and family for your loss. He will be missed.
I remember skip coming to my 50th birthday party. He and Gay were such great friends. I will miss him for he had a place in my heart. Bill Lay
Dinah and family: Please accept our condolences. Your family was so supportive during the times our sons played sports together. May you feel comfort from family, friends and memories.
Thinking of the Foster family during this difficult time. We’re so sorry to hear of the loss of Skip. A legend no doubt. Praying that God wraps his protection & comfort around Skip’s family. Blessed to have met him at the lake house. Hugs Dinah.
So sorry to hear of Skip’s passing.
Have so many fond memories of Skip, his Dad, Karen, and of course, Dinah. It saddens me that I can’t be there to share in sorrow with you all. Gay, so sorry for your loss, Skip loved you so much. You don’t know me well but I know Skip loved you and family so much. Dick and Skip were such great men and characters. They made such a a difference in so many lives. My heart, prayers and thoughts are with you.
Played for Skips dad at Coffeyville a year ahead of Skip. Did however get to know him later and there was not a nicer man. True Red Raven. Blessings to his large extended family and players
I loved him as a coach and most affectionately as a Friend that always knew us always. R I P until we meet again and can have long talks of past games and player ho yes Dick will also be there.
Skip is my dear kind brother! He has always been a special soul from the time he was born! Always there for everyone in anyway he could be! So thoughtful to me! Always full of love for my children! God bless him in heaven! Bless his wife for devoted love and laughter! His wonderful children! I know he is at peace with God! 🌺〰️🙏
Skip Foster was a great man and football coach. I was fortunate to enjoy a lot of great times with Skip when we coached together that will long remain as lasting memories. He was and still is one of the good ones who made a difference in the lives of others. Please know my thoughts are prayers are with his family.
I will always cherish the friendship that grew out of working with Skip (or as he & Gay became known as SkipnGay). He was passionate about everything thing in his very full life. I will forever think about him and smile. So sorry Gay.
I will miss our talks and ideas shared. Melody and I send our love, prayers, and thoughts to Gay and the family.
On behalf of the Red Raven family, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the family on the loss of a legend. Skip was the heart and soul of Red Raven football for so many years following in his father’s footsteps. With numerous conference championships, bowl wins, Coach of Year honors, and a National Championship in 1990, Skip had the opportunity to coach many NFL players, NJCAA All-Americans, Academic All-Americans, and conference players of the year along the way. He will forever be enshrined in Red Raven Football history as a member of the NJCAA Hall of Fame and Red Raven Football Hall of Fame along with his father. We are so thankful for his dedication and love for Red Raven Football and CCC! Once a RAVEN, always a RAVEN!
He was always so positive and enthusiastic. He supported me and my players at Schlagle. He was like no other, my condolences.
Outstanding individual who treated everyone equally and always made you feel loved! Rest in peace job well done.
Good man, good friend, good coach& a great Dad!
Thoughts and prayers. I have enjoyed my friendship with the Foster family going back to the days when I watched my 2 older brothers playing against the Platte City Pirates when Dick was the head football coach. I always enjoyed visiting with both Dick and Skip when I was coaching high school football. Both great coaches and great men.