David Dean Foster

David Dean Foster, 67, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025, in Gainesville, Florida. He was born March 11, 1958, in Rockford, Illinois, the son of David and Margaret (Simpson) Foster.

David enlisted in the United States Navy in 1976 and proudly served his country for 20 years as a jet aircraft mechanic, company commander, helicopter mechanic and base security among other roles he undertook as a sailor. Upon his military retirement, his Servant’s Heart and desire to help continued afterwards as he was a volunteer firefighter, reserve police officer and studied to become an EMT and then later a Paramedic. He worked for several ambulance services - both municipal and private - as well as hospital emergency rooms and with the critical care transport teams. There wasn’t a hospital in St. Joe County he couldn’t walk into and not know someone from his time working with them. Throughout his career, Dave always seemed to end up in the middle of funny or interesting stories, and he loved telling those stories to all who would listen - sometimes over and over again! These stories were an endearing part of him and a part we will dearly miss.

After his military career, David settled in South Bend, Indiana, in 1995 with his family. In 2021, Dave, Cindy, and Shelby moved to Sebring, Florida, to soak in the warmer weather and enjoy life there, together. He made many friends throughout his life, and we know he never met a stranger! He was always outgoing and friendly and willing to lend a hand whenever it was needed. Always ready to help, never expecting anything in return: a testament to his huge heart, and kindness and compassion for others.

David enjoyed traveling and going on vacation with family and friends, loved riding motorcycles, camping and just hanging out with family and friends. He adored spending time with his children and grandchildren and was the absolute best Mr. Mom to his youngest daughter, Shelby. He was so proud of his kids - David, Nicole and Shelby - and their accomplishments and was enjoying watching his youngest grow and blossom under his guidance and care.

Left to cherish David’s memory are his loving wife of 31 years, Cindy Sue (Brock) Foster; his children Shelby Foster of Sebring, FL, and David (Susan Gasaway) Foster of Decatur, Michigan; his brother Trace (Susan) Foster of Nashville, Tennessee; seven grandchildren: Makaylee Stevens, Bianca (Rio) Burns, Michael Stevens, Alice Foster, David Foster, Nicholas Foster, Roslyn Foster, and one great-grandchild, Hazel Burns; several nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Tami (Richard) Fisk and dear friends William and Mindy Stivers.

David was preceded in death by his parents, David and Peggy Foster; his daughter, Nicole Knight; his brothers, Michael Meschewski and Jack Foster; and his sister, Debbie Pennington.

David may be gone from our side, but he will never be gone from our hearts or our memories. He would not want those of us left to grieve him to be sad. He wanted us to remember him with smiles, good memories and great stories. He wanted us to grab a glass and raise a toast in fond remembrance, share a story or two, and smile, knowing our lives were better for knowing him.

Fair Winds and Following Seas, Sailor. Rest now we have the watch.

A Memorial service with Military honors will be held Sat December 13, 2025, at 1 pm at Christ Fellowship Church in Sebring FL 2935 New Life Way, Sebring, FL 33870. In Lieu of flowers donations may be  made out to Shelby Foster for her education and care.

Arrangements entrusted to:

Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home

4001 Sebring Parkway

Sebring, FL 33870