Arthur Zane Foster

Arthur Zane Foster, 82, of Odenton, MD passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Autumn Lake Healthcare in Glen Burnie, MD. Born on June 18, 1942 in Connellsville, PA, he was the only child of George Raymond and Helen Cordella (Pletcher) Foster. Art was the beloved husband of Phyllis K. Foster, who passed away on February 11, 2025. Art and Phyllis were married on December 19, 1964, and recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. They were dedicated to their son, Michael, whom they welcomed in 1966.

Art was a 1960 graduate of the Connellsville, PA Joint Senior High School and the University of Maryland. After high school, Art spent four years serving his country in the United States Air Force. One of his assignments was at Peshawar Air Station in Pakistan. After leaving the Air Force, Art was employed with the Department of Defense at Fort George G. Meade, where he worked until his retirement.

Art enjoyed collecting coins, a hobby he began as a child when he looked for old coins as he collected money from his newspaper route. He loved looking for treasures at flea markets, yard sales, and estate sales. At one time Art had a sales booth at Triple-A Antiques. A nature lover, he enjoyed sitting in his backyard and watching the birds and animals. He loved the dogs that he had over the years, including his little dog Nikita. Combining his love for the Pittsburgh area where he grew up and the Baltimore area where he lived the rest of his life, he was an avid fan of the Steelers and the Orioles. The family had Sunday season tickets to the Orioles for many years.

A man of deep faith, Art was a devoted member of Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church in Odenton for almost 60 years, serving in many capacities.  He was a liturgist for Rev. James Manning, Rev. Kenneth Humbert, and Rev. Clark Carr. He enjoyed doing projects around the church with Methodist Men, taught Sunday School for a number of years, sang in the Eight O’clock Singers, and assisted in writing a book about the history of the church.

An early member of GORC, Art helped coach clinic basketball. He also assisted in Webelos, helping boys transition from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. The family enjoyed camping. One of their favorite places was the Methodist Camp Harmison in Berkeley Springs, WV. Art and Phyllis travelled extensively in the United States and Canada. They went on many Gunther Bus Tours over the years, often bringing back souvenirs for their friends.

Art will always be remembered for his quiet demeanor, his devotion to his wife and son, his dedication to his Christian faith, and his cheerful good nature. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, his many friends, his co-workers, and all those who were fortunate to know him.

A celebration of Art’s life will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 11 am with a prior gathering of friends at 10:00 am at Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church, 1239 Murray Road, Odenton, MD 21113. Everyone is invited to a luncheon after the service at the church. Memorial contributions in Art’s memory can be made to Nichols-Bethel United Methodist Church.