Bradely E. Foster

Bradely E. Foster, 47, Indianapolis, died Friday, November 16, 2007. Brad died as he lived; with dignity, grace and a keen sense of humor. He graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor's degree in Entomology. After graduation, he began a career with the Indiana State Department of Health, where he worked for 24 years as a Medical Entomologist. During that time he worked primarily with the state wide encephalitis surveillance program as a vector control specialist. He was a member of the American Mosquito Control Association and last March was elected President of the Indiana Vector Control Association.

Brad was a professional model builder and created scale models of ships from the Revolutionary period through World War II. He was recognized throughout the country for his scale model replicas, but was best known as an authority on the USS Indianapolis. After years of research and labor, he created a model of that ship based on original blueprints from the National Archives. The model is currently on display at the Indiana State Museum and is made of fiberglass, plastic and hand formed brass. He was a member of the United Modelers Association.

Running and kayaking were Brad's primary outdoor exercises. He was active in Indy Runners and was a trainer for the Indy 500 minimarathon. He ran in many half-marathons, continuing his last race in May after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Brad liked the water and was an expert kayaker. He was fortunate to be able to paddle in Indiana, Arkansas, and Louisiana regularly. A trained naturalist, Brad cared for native wildflowers and plants at his home. He gave lectures and demonstrations at Ball State and Holiday Park on native plants, their care and propagation. He was a member of the Central Indiana Wilderness club. Brad built lasting relationships with the college interns he had trained. He traveled as far as New Orleans to help individuals and groups with environmental projects. He taught Sunday school at Abundant Harvest U.M.C. where he served as chairman of Trustees for many years.

Brad is survived by his beloved wife, Teresa Snuffer, with whom he enjoyed visiting Civil War sites and naval landmarks. He is also survived by his parents, Walter and Natalie Foster and brother, Wayne (Erin) Foster of Pine Bluff, AK; niece, Kristin Cook; nephew, Matthew Foster; mother-in-law Gertrude Fehr of Lafayette, IN; father-in-law, Philip Snuffer,
Crawfordsville, IN; brothers-in-law Avery Snuffer and David Snuffer, and a host of friends and colleagues.

Brad was a descendant of William and Mary Ann (Vickerstaff) McCutchan of Indiana.