By Jennifer Stultz
Tri-County Tribune Editor
jstultz@cherryroad.com
Six days after a Silver Alert went out in Reno County for the whereabouts of 80-year-old Gary Foster, he was found deceased. According to the Reno County Sheriff’s Department, Foster was found near his rural Abbyville home in western Reno County.
”It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Gary Foster has been found. After a thorough and extensive search, Gary was located near his home, bringing closure to a heartbreaking situation. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his family during this difficult time.
We would like to take a moment to thank all of the law enforcement agencies, volunteers and organizations who played a crucial rose in the search efforts. Your support, dedication, and tireless work have been invaluable,” the Reno County Sheriff’s Department said in a press release. “As we move forward, we respectfully ask for privacy for Gary’s family. Please give them the time and space they need during this season of grief. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.”
A Silver Alert had been issued on December 19 after Foster, who has Alzheimers and is diabetic was last seen at 5 p.m. on that day wearing blue jeans and a plaid button up long sleeve at 9811 S. Peace Rd. in western Reno County. Gary was believed to have left his residence on foot in an unknown direction. Volunteers joined emergency crews and police divisions to search a large area of western Reno County in the days that followed, one foot, by horse, in vehicles, drones, planes, with ATVs as well as other resources employed. Hundreds searched a wide radius around his home in the 9800 block of Peace Road.
Foster’s family members provided social media updates, encouraging searchers and hoping that someone would find him. He was a regular walker so those looking were advised to search waterways, fields, tree rows, tractors, outbuildings and culverts but he was not found alive.
Foster’s granddaughter Faith Roper shared the following message on Facebook on December 24, in the late afternoon.
“Grandfather has been found and he is no longer hurting or in pain but is with our Heavenly Father. We can not thank you enough for your support and help. We don’t need anything right now and would like some family time before anyone starts to show up but will let you know as soon as we need something. Again thank you.”
Foster and family had many friends and neighbors in Pratt County and the Tri-County Tribune coverage area. Many were involved in the search for him.
