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In Memoriam

Christopher Lane Foster

Even the death of friends will inspire us as much as their lives… their memories will be encrusted over with sublime and pleasing thoughts, as moments of other men are overgrown moss; for our friends have no place in the graveyard.

Christopher Lane Foster

  • Lieutenant
  • Demopolis Fire and Rescue Department
  • Alabama
  • Age: 54
  • Year of Death: 2017

Christopher Lane Foster was born in Selma, Alabama, on March 22, 1963, to Billy Ray and Geraldine Foster. He had six brothers—Mark, Darien, Brian, Todd, Paul, and Steven. Chris grew up in Demopolis, Alabama, and attended Westside Baptist Church. In high school he worked at Miller Lumber Company with his dad and grandfather. Chris was in the high school band and played the drums. He attended Clarke College in Mississippi.

His love for firefighting started when he joined the Old Springhill Volunteer Fire Department in 1991. He was voted chief, a position he held for the rest of his life. Chris was hired by the Demopolis Fire Department on March 1, 1994. He had finally found a way to help his community. Chris enjoyed going into the community and talking with anyone about fire safety.

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He loved to swim, so he joined the River City Underwater Rescue Team. Chris attended many classes at the Alabama Fire College and used his knowledge and training to answer calls on and off duty, day or night. Chris reached the rank of lieutenant. He enjoyed working and spending time with his fire department family.

On May 19, 2002, Chris proposed to his girlfriend, Vanya, and on November 30, 2002, they were married at Fairhaven Baptist Church. While attending church there Chris helped in any areas he could, including Vacation Bible School. Their first child, Mary Azilee Foster, was born on December 14, 2003. Chris was the proudest dad. He loved his baby girl from the moment he found out she was on the way. On March 19, 2007, Chris welcomed his only son, Matthew Lane Foster, to the world. He was so excited to meet him face to face. On September 23, 2016, the family was complete with the birth of twin daughters, Rebekah Phares Foster and Sarah Ruth Foster. Chris was surprised and happy when he found out Vanya was expecting twins. He was not afraid to change their diapers, feed them, or hold them. He loved it. He supported his family in everything they did. Mary and Matthew took their first steps at the Demopolis Fire Department.

Chris went fishing, on field trips, coached softball one year, and attended ball games. He was always the loudest cheerleader for Mary, Matthew, and the other kids playing. He attended many plays, school programs, church programs, and anything else the kids were doing. He enjoyed taking them to school and picking them up. Chris kept bees and had 18 hives.

On March 23, 2017, he went to bed and woke up in heaven. Chris loved God, family, and his community, and we love and miss him every day.