Theron W. “Jake” Foster


Downey…Theron W. “Jake” Foster, 72, of Downey, passed away on October 25, 2008, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Theron was born May 30, 1936, in Pocatello, Idaho a son of Wilford and Naomi Lowe Foster. Wilford died when Theron was 6 months old, and his mother married Elmer Phillips a year later.

He was raised on the family ranch, located west of Downey. He graduated from Downey High School, class of 1954. That same year he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served 33 months in the US Zone of Germany in the 10th Infantry Division and V Corps Headquarters during the Korean and Cold Ward era.

He married Ruth Denney in 1959 in Pocatello. Two daughters were born to them; Diane and Bonnie. Theron and Ruth were later divorced. Jake owned and operated the Phillips 66 Gas Station in Downey for 14 years. He later worked for Conoco in Pocatello. Theron married Myrna Brangham in 1976 in Winnemucca, Nevada and he helped her raise her children; Debbie, Darren and Dirk.

Theron worked for several years as a Farmers Insurance agent and retired in 2006. He was a Christian, a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Elks Club and the Preston Golf and Country Club. He enjoyed Golf, Fishing, and traveling within the great State of Idaho, and the West.

He is survived by his wife and best friend; Myrna; daughters; Diane Hadley of Pocatello; Bonnie Cipolla of Simi Valley, California; Brothers; Bill (Joanne) Phillips of Downey; Dennis (Marty) Phillips of Downey; Sister; Sandy (Doyle) Hansen of McCammon; Step Children; Debbie (Mark) Miles of West Haven, Utah; Darren Godfrey of Downey; Dirk (Tammy) Godfrey of Pocatello; 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren and Fritz. He was preceded in death by parents and stepfather.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2008, at 12 noon in the Downey LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may visit with the Foster family on Saturday prior to service from 10:30-11:30- am. Burial will follow in the Downey city Cemetery, with military rites by the Downey American Legion Post #21. Arrangements by Horsley’s Marsh Valley Funeral home.