Prior to his being elected to the house, Sen. Foster owned the Brown Window Company. He also was an industrial engineer and served in the National Guard.

He was an active member in city government. He held the following positions: Poplar Bluff city councilman (1977-78); Poplar Bluff mayor pro tem (1978-79); Poplar Bluff mayor (1979-80); Planning and Zoning Committee (1977-78 and 1978-79); member of the Chamber of Commerce; and member of Poplar Bluff Industrial advisory committee.

Sen. Foster also has been actively involved in the First Church of God, having served as a Sunday school teacher for 30 years; on the church board for ten years where he was chairman; and director of Junior Church for five years. He was on the board for Southern Christian School for eight years.

Sen. Foster obtained an associate degree in industrial management from the Milwaukee School of Engineering. He also attended the David Rankin Technical School.

Born December 23, 1946, Sen. Foster currently resides in Poplar Bluff with his wife Karen. They have a daughter Karmen.