Ronnie RD Foster passed away June 19, 2023, in Anna, Texas at the age of 75. He was born to Paul and Dorothy (Davenport) Foster on March 22, 1948, in Farmersville, Texas.
RD moved with his family to McKinney when he was five years old. There are friends alive today who remember meeting him in the 1st Grade at South Ward. He graduated McKinney High School in 1966, the same year he was named Homecoming King of the Valentine Dance. Coincidentally, he played his last musical gig on Valentine's Day 2020 with his band, The Red River Surfers.
He joined the United States Marine Corps and graduated boot camp August 25, 1966. He served about 20 months overseas in Okinawa, The Philippines, and South Vietnam. RD left the Corps on June 19, 1969, and coincidently went to join his departed military Brothers and Sisters on June 19, 2023. 54 years later. After leaving active duty as a Marine, he lived his life actively being the kind of man that the Marine Corps and his strong family influences trained him to be.
He was a fireman, a long-haul truck driver and a private investigator. He loved playing his guitar and harmonica and was a prolific songwriter. He has published 3 albums and many of his songs are sung today by others in music venues around the country.
For many years Ronnie played music all around Texas and the area with his band The Red Dog Rangers, while also driving tour buses for other musicians as they pursued their careers. Those musicians include Ray Wylie Hubbard, Bugs Henderson, Delbert McClinton, Neil McCoy, Melissa Etheridge, Maynard Ferguson and Vince Vance.
RD has written and published books mirroring both his military experiences and some insights into the world of a touring musician. His book "One Day As a Lion – True Stories of the Vietnam War" was awarded the Silver Trophy at the 2009 North Texas Book Festival. He has written a Collin County Freedom Fighters series of books for the Collin County History Museum. His latest "The Wall of Honor" was recently published in 2022.
RD met an old friend in 2004 that recalled that RD and classmate Bill Bryan had joined the Marines together right after High School. Then the friend asked what happened to Bill? RD replied that Bill was killed in Vietnam. When the person said "Oh yeah, I forgot" RD realized he had a new mission in life…to see that not just his dear friend who had received the Silver Star, but every veteran from Collin County that paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedoms be recognized and remembered.
RD's unrelenting efforts set in motion what led to his being asked to cut the ceremonial ribbon at the opening of the Wall of Honor at the Veterans Memorial Park in McKinney on November 11, 2011. A set of his dog tags are in the wall.
Next, his mission was to go before the Collin County Commissioners Court to get them to approve the North Texas Fallen Warriors Portrait Project. They hung the first portraits of Collin County fallen heroes in November of 2013. RD painstakingly researched microfilm of the Courier Gazette to find the names of our fallen heroes from the past who would be added to the Veterans Memorial Wall or whose portraits would hang in the Courthouse.
Finally, RD went back to the Collin County Commissioners and suggested that a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from Plano be honored. On June 4, 2018, the Collin County Courthouse was officially renamed the Russel A. Steinham Courts Building.
RD did what he said he would do, and his life is a testament to what epitomizes a true American Patriot and Hero. He was a humble man, who lived life and was dedicated to doing what he believed was right and needed to be done. He has served as Chairman of the City of McKinney Veterans Memorial Board. His recent project serving on this board was to orchestrate a Veterans Time Capsule to be buried and then opened in November of 2061.
Ronnie "RD" Foster was the recipient of many accolades and awards. Just some of these include (1) A Certificate of Recognition for his service "in promoting peace and stability for this Nation" presented by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield in 2001. (2) The U. S. House of Representatives Certificate of Congressional Recognition in 2021. (3) The State of Texas House of Representatives Patriotism Award in 2010. (4) The Texas Veterans Commission "Patriot of the Year" award in 20120. (5) The Collin County Historical Commission "Living Legend of Collin County" Award (6) The Distinguished Citizen award of the Daughters of the American revolution. RD was true to the tenants of "The Marine Prayer" until his last breath.
"It is better to lived one day as a lion, than to live ten thousand years as a sheep." (from an ancient Tibetan Proverb )
RD is survived by his wife, Trina Foster of Anna; son, Bill Foster and wife Miranda of Allen; daughter, Corey Grant and husband Larry of Celina; grandchildren, TJ Grant, Lexi Grant, Destinee Grant, Kody Foster, Jaxson Foster and Tristan Stevens; great grandchildren, Olivia, Neveah, Zalin, Skylyn and Aira; brother, Frank Foster and wife Margaret of Weatherford; and sister, Paulette Foster and life partner Bob of Celina.
He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Dorothy and brothers, Johnny Foster and Donnie Foster
RD moved with his family to McKinney when he was five years old. There are friends alive today who remember meeting him in the 1st Grade at South Ward. He graduated McKinney High School in 1966, the same year he was named Homecoming King of the Valentine Dance. Coincidentally, he played his last musical gig on Valentine's Day 2020 with his band, The Red River Surfers.
He joined the United States Marine Corps and graduated boot camp August 25, 1966. He served about 20 months overseas in Okinawa, The Philippines, and South Vietnam. RD left the Corps on June 19, 1969, and coincidently went to join his departed military Brothers and Sisters on June 19, 2023. 54 years later. After leaving active duty as a Marine, he lived his life actively being the kind of man that the Marine Corps and his strong family influences trained him to be.
He was a fireman, a long-haul truck driver and a private investigator. He loved playing his guitar and harmonica and was a prolific songwriter. He has published 3 albums and many of his songs are sung today by others in music venues around the country.
For many years Ronnie played music all around Texas and the area with his band The Red Dog Rangers, while also driving tour buses for other musicians as they pursued their careers. Those musicians include Ray Wylie Hubbard, Bugs Henderson, Delbert McClinton, Neil McCoy, Melissa Etheridge, Maynard Ferguson and Vince Vance.
RD has written and published books mirroring both his military experiences and some insights into the world of a touring musician. His book "One Day As a Lion – True Stories of the Vietnam War" was awarded the Silver Trophy at the 2009 North Texas Book Festival. He has written a Collin County Freedom Fighters series of books for the Collin County History Museum. His latest "The Wall of Honor" was recently published in 2022.
RD met an old friend in 2004 that recalled that RD and classmate Bill Bryan had joined the Marines together right after High School. Then the friend asked what happened to Bill? RD replied that Bill was killed in Vietnam. When the person said "Oh yeah, I forgot" RD realized he had a new mission in life…to see that not just his dear friend who had received the Silver Star, but every veteran from Collin County that paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedoms be recognized and remembered.
RD's unrelenting efforts set in motion what led to his being asked to cut the ceremonial ribbon at the opening of the Wall of Honor at the Veterans Memorial Park in McKinney on November 11, 2011. A set of his dog tags are in the wall.
Next, his mission was to go before the Collin County Commissioners Court to get them to approve the North Texas Fallen Warriors Portrait Project. They hung the first portraits of Collin County fallen heroes in November of 2013. RD painstakingly researched microfilm of the Courier Gazette to find the names of our fallen heroes from the past who would be added to the Veterans Memorial Wall or whose portraits would hang in the Courthouse.
Finally, RD went back to the Collin County Commissioners and suggested that a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from Plano be honored. On June 4, 2018, the Collin County Courthouse was officially renamed the Russel A. Steinham Courts Building.
RD did what he said he would do, and his life is a testament to what epitomizes a true American Patriot and Hero. He was a humble man, who lived life and was dedicated to doing what he believed was right and needed to be done. He has served as Chairman of the City of McKinney Veterans Memorial Board. His recent project serving on this board was to orchestrate a Veterans Time Capsule to be buried and then opened in November of 2061.
Ronnie "RD" Foster was the recipient of many accolades and awards. Just some of these include (1) A Certificate of Recognition for his service "in promoting peace and stability for this Nation" presented by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield in 2001. (2) The U. S. House of Representatives Certificate of Congressional Recognition in 2021. (3) The State of Texas House of Representatives Patriotism Award in 2010. (4) The Texas Veterans Commission "Patriot of the Year" award in 20120. (5) The Collin County Historical Commission "Living Legend of Collin County" Award (6) The Distinguished Citizen award of the Daughters of the American revolution. RD was true to the tenants of "The Marine Prayer" until his last breath.
"It is better to lived one day as a lion, than to live ten thousand years as a sheep." (from an ancient Tibetan Proverb )
RD is survived by his wife, Trina Foster of Anna; son, Bill Foster and wife Miranda of Allen; daughter, Corey Grant and husband Larry of Celina; grandchildren, TJ Grant, Lexi Grant, Destinee Grant, Kody Foster, Jaxson Foster and Tristan Stevens; great grandchildren, Olivia, Neveah, Zalin, Skylyn and Aira; brother, Frank Foster and wife Margaret of Weatherford; and sister, Paulette Foster and life partner Bob of Celina.
He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Dorothy and brothers, Johnny Foster and Donnie Foster
Ronnie RD Foster passed away June 19, 2023, in Anna, Texas at the age of 75. He was born to Paul and Dorothy (Davenport) Foster on March 22, 1948, in Farmersville, Texas.
RD moved with his family to McKinney when he was five years old. There are friends alive today who remember meeting him in the 1st Grade at South Ward. He graduated McKinney High School in 1966, the same year he was named Homecoming King of the Valentine Dance. Coincidentally, he played his last musical gig on Valentine's Day 2020 with his band, The Red River Surfers.
He joined the United States Marine Corps and graduated boot camp August 25, 1966. He served about 20 months overseas in Okinawa, The Philippines, and South Vietnam. RD left the Corps on June 19, 1969, and coincidently went to join his departed military Brothers and Sisters on June 19, 2023. 54 years later. After leaving active duty as a Marine, he lived his life actively being the kind of man that the Marine Corps and his strong family influences trained him to be.
He was a fireman, a long-haul truck driver and a private investigator. He loved playing his guitar and harmonica and was a prolific songwriter. He has published 3 albums and many of his songs are sung today by others in music venues around the country.
For many years Ronnie played music all around Texas and the area with his band The Red Dog Rangers, while also driving tour buses for other musicians as they pursued their careers. Those musicians include Ray Wylie Hubbard, Bugs Henderson, Delbert McClinton, Neil McCoy, Melissa Etheridge, Maynard Ferguson and Vince Vance.
RD has written and published books mirroring both his military experiences and some insights into the world of a touring musician. His book "One Day As a Lion – True Stories of the Vietnam War" was awarded the Silver Trophy at the 2009 North Texas Book Festival. He has written a Collin County Freedom Fighters series of books for the Collin County History Museum. His latest "The Wall of Honor" was recently published in 2022.
RD met an old friend in 2004 that recalled that RD and classmate Bill Bryan had joined the Marines together right after High School. Then the friend asked what happened to Bill? RD replied that Bill was killed in Vietnam. When the person said "Oh yeah, I forgot" RD realized he had a new mission in life…to see that not just his dear friend who had received the Silver Star, but every veteran from Collin County that paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedoms be recognized and remembered.
RD's unrelenting efforts set in motion what led to his being asked to cut the ceremonial ribbon at the opening of the Wall of Honor at the Veterans Memorial Park in McKinney on November 11, 2011. A set of his dog tags are in the wall.
Next, his mission was to go before the Collin County Commissioners Court to get them to approve the North Texas Fallen Warriors Portrait Project. They hung the first portraits of Collin County fallen heroes in November of 2013. RD painstakingly researched microfilm of the Courier Gazette to find the names of our fallen heroes from the past who would be added to the Veterans Memorial Wall or whose portraits would hang in the Courthouse.
Finally, RD went back to the Collin County Commissioners and suggested that a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from Plano be honored. On June 4, 2018, the Collin County Courthouse was officially renamed the Russel A. Steinham Courts Building.
RD did what he said he would do, and his life is a testament to what epitomizes a true American Patriot and Hero. He was a humble man, who lived life and was dedicated to doing what he believed was right and needed to be done. He has served as Chairman of the City of McKinney Veterans Memorial Board. His recent project serving on this board was to orchestrate a Veterans Time Capsule to be buried and then opened in November of 2061.
Ronnie "RD" Foster was the recipient of many accolades and awards. Just some of these include (1) A Certificate of Recognition for his service "in promoting peace and stability for this Nation" presented by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield in 2001. (2) The U. S. House of Representatives Certificate of Congressional Recognition in 2021. (3) The State of Texas House of Representatives Patriotism Award in 2010. (4) The Texas Veterans Commission "Patriot of the Year" award in 20120. (5) The Collin County Historical Commission "Living Legend of Collin County" Award (6) The Distinguished Citizen award of the Daughters of the American revolution. RD was true to the tenants of "The Marine Prayer" until his last breath.
"It is better to lived one day as a lion, than to live ten thousand years as a sheep." (from an ancient Tibetan Proverb )
RD is survived by his wife, Trina Foster of Anna; son, Bill Foster and wife Miranda of Allen; daughter, Corey Grant and husband Larry of Celina; grandchildren, TJ Grant, Lexi Grant, Destinee Grant, Kody Foster, Jaxson Foster and Tristan Stevens; great grandchildren, Olivia, Neveah, Zalin, Skylyn and Aira; brother, Frank Foster and wife Margaret of Weatherford; and sister, Paulette Foster and life partner Bob of Celina.
He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Dorothy and brothers, Johnny Foster and Donnie Foster
RD moved with his family to McKinney when he was five years old. There are friends alive today who remember meeting him in the 1st Grade at South Ward. He graduated McKinney High School in 1966, the same year he was named Homecoming King of the Valentine Dance. Coincidentally, he played his last musical gig on Valentine's Day 2020 with his band, The Red River Surfers.
He joined the United States Marine Corps and graduated boot camp August 25, 1966. He served about 20 months overseas in Okinawa, The Philippines, and South Vietnam. RD left the Corps on June 19, 1969, and coincidently went to join his departed military Brothers and Sisters on June 19, 2023. 54 years later. After leaving active duty as a Marine, he lived his life actively being the kind of man that the Marine Corps and his strong family influences trained him to be.
He was a fireman, a long-haul truck driver and a private investigator. He loved playing his guitar and harmonica and was a prolific songwriter. He has published 3 albums and many of his songs are sung today by others in music venues around the country.
For many years Ronnie played music all around Texas and the area with his band The Red Dog Rangers, while also driving tour buses for other musicians as they pursued their careers. Those musicians include Ray Wylie Hubbard, Bugs Henderson, Delbert McClinton, Neil McCoy, Melissa Etheridge, Maynard Ferguson and Vince Vance.
RD has written and published books mirroring both his military experiences and some insights into the world of a touring musician. His book "One Day As a Lion – True Stories of the Vietnam War" was awarded the Silver Trophy at the 2009 North Texas Book Festival. He has written a Collin County Freedom Fighters series of books for the Collin County History Museum. His latest "The Wall of Honor" was recently published in 2022.
RD met an old friend in 2004 that recalled that RD and classmate Bill Bryan had joined the Marines together right after High School. Then the friend asked what happened to Bill? RD replied that Bill was killed in Vietnam. When the person said "Oh yeah, I forgot" RD realized he had a new mission in life…to see that not just his dear friend who had received the Silver Star, but every veteran from Collin County that paid the ultimate sacrifice protecting our freedoms be recognized and remembered.
RD's unrelenting efforts set in motion what led to his being asked to cut the ceremonial ribbon at the opening of the Wall of Honor at the Veterans Memorial Park in McKinney on November 11, 2011. A set of his dog tags are in the wall.
Next, his mission was to go before the Collin County Commissioners Court to get them to approve the North Texas Fallen Warriors Portrait Project. They hung the first portraits of Collin County fallen heroes in November of 2013. RD painstakingly researched microfilm of the Courier Gazette to find the names of our fallen heroes from the past who would be added to the Veterans Memorial Wall or whose portraits would hang in the Courthouse.
Finally, RD went back to the Collin County Commissioners and suggested that a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from Plano be honored. On June 4, 2018, the Collin County Courthouse was officially renamed the Russel A. Steinham Courts Building.
RD did what he said he would do, and his life is a testament to what epitomizes a true American Patriot and Hero. He was a humble man, who lived life and was dedicated to doing what he believed was right and needed to be done. He has served as Chairman of the City of McKinney Veterans Memorial Board. His recent project serving on this board was to orchestrate a Veterans Time Capsule to be buried and then opened in November of 2061.
Ronnie "RD" Foster was the recipient of many accolades and awards. Just some of these include (1) A Certificate of Recognition for his service "in promoting peace and stability for this Nation" presented by Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfield in 2001. (2) The U. S. House of Representatives Certificate of Congressional Recognition in 2021. (3) The State of Texas House of Representatives Patriotism Award in 2010. (4) The Texas Veterans Commission "Patriot of the Year" award in 20120. (5) The Collin County Historical Commission "Living Legend of Collin County" Award (6) The Distinguished Citizen award of the Daughters of the American revolution. RD was true to the tenants of "The Marine Prayer" until his last breath.
"It is better to lived one day as a lion, than to live ten thousand years as a sheep." (from an ancient Tibetan Proverb )
RD is survived by his wife, Trina Foster of Anna; son, Bill Foster and wife Miranda of Allen; daughter, Corey Grant and husband Larry of Celina; grandchildren, TJ Grant, Lexi Grant, Destinee Grant, Kody Foster, Jaxson Foster and Tristan Stevens; great grandchildren, Olivia, Neveah, Zalin, Skylyn and Aira; brother, Frank Foster and wife Margaret of Weatherford; and sister, Paulette Foster and life partner Bob of Celina.
He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and Dorothy and brothers, Johnny Foster and Donnie Foster
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