Mr. Leslie R. Foster, Sr.

Celebrating The Life And Legacy Of 
Brother Leslie R. Foster, Sr.

Life Story of San Antonio’s
Godfather of Gospel

On Wednesday, June 26, 1935, Leslie Raymon Foster came into the world greeted by his loving mother, Isabel Foster, in the big city of Cuero, TX. He was reared there within a full household of family. With Grandmother and mother at the helm, brother, uncles and aunt were all raised together as siblings. The family united with the Mount Bethel Baptist Church in Cuero, TX and were very active in the church. It became clear that singing would become Leslie’s destiny and true calling. He accepted his God-given talent and always said that he “just wanted to help somebody” by using his voice. As a young man he was called upon to leave school to go sing for funerals around town.  

Leslie graduated from Daule High School in 1953 and was an outstanding basketball and football player. Upon graduating, he left Cuero to attend St. Phillip’s College in San Antionio where he excelled in his courses and played basketball. He paused his pursuit of higher education to enlist in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany and later at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, CO. While there, Leslie met lifelong friends, the Farrs family. The Farrs’ were members of the St. John Baptist Church and Leslie joined that church-- of course, he sang in the choir and became their director. Having earned numerous awards and special recognitions, Mr. Foster was Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army in 1955. He returned to San Antonio, TX and to St. Phillip’s College to complete his studies. He began working at Fort Sam Houston Post Exchange and after 10 years of service he departed as a Department Manager. Mr. Foster valued education, receiving his Associate’s Degree from St. Phillip’s College and his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Business Administration from St. Mary’s University. He also received an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Guadalupe College. 

On a visit back home to Cuero, he attended a basketball game at his alma mater. His eyes were focused on a young lady in the bleachers, and he decided to go over to this young lady and introduce himself. The exchange was cordial, and Mattie J. Taylor was just as smitten with him! After a warm and brief courtship, the two were married on July 5, 1959. Mattie remained his faithful and devoted wife for 65 years. To this union, two children were born, Tristan Arnee' and Leslie Raymon II. Mr. Foster and his family resided on the east side of San Antonio for many years before moving to their "forever home" in the Woods of Shavano in 1977. To his family he was the ‘ROCK OF AGES’.

 In 1955 Bro. Foster joined the Zion Star Baptist Church and served in various positions there. He was an award-winning Sunday School Teacher (Boys ages 10-12). His class was so popular that all the boys couldn't wait to “age-in” and then didn't want to leave when they “aged out.” Even his own son wanted to remain in his class! He also served as Youth Choir Director, Male Chorus Director, Music Ministry Leader and was a featured soloist. 

Leslie had a love for singing but enjoyed many other hobbies, including fishing, gardening, reading, building and traveling. He and his family traveled to all of the United States including Alaska and Hawaii; they even traveled abroad. He was an avid photographer, and he chronicled his travels of the world, always wanting to be ‘SOMEWHERE AROUND GOD’S THRONE’. Because he loved traveling so much, he made certain his community choir had the opportunity to travel as well. The group would take annual trips to minister through song throughout the state of Texas and other southern states. They also made several trips to Colorado Springs to share with the Farrs’ and the St. John's church family.

Mr. Foster was employed at USAA for 20 years as a District Manager. While at USAA he taught many insurance courses. Both he and his wife retired from USAA in December 1992. They became proud members of USAA’s Golden Eagles. In retirement Les had a ‘BLESSED ASSURANCE’ that God would continue to provide. He volunteered tirelessly with various organizations including HEALTH, Inc., a senior citizen advocacy agency; was a mentor at Dorie Miller Elementary School and Stewart Elementary; and he volunteered his time with CASA (Child Advocates, San Antonio).

In 1973 Bro. Foster founded the Lesie Foster Community Echoes, a well-known and highly sought-after community choir. Believing that ‘GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU’ and ‘THE LORD WILL MAKE A WAY SOMEHOW’, Bro. Foster booked engagements, never seeking monetary compensation for serving as Music Director of the community choir nor for rendering selections on programs. The choir traveled extensively ministering through song around the city of San Antonio, the state of Texas and beyond spreading the gospel. Recognizing that time brings about a change, Les stepped down as Music Director and became Director Emeritus in 2000. The group continued to call upon him from time to time for his wisdom and musical talent. The group honored him and Sis. Foster in 2023 as they commemorated the 50th anniversary of the choir’s founding.

On Wednesday evening, September 18th at 7:58 PM Bro. Foster gave his last performance surrounded by his son and family. It is with sad, yet grateful and joyous hearts that we proclaim he took flight to his new home and is now gone from our sight. As Les answered the Master’s call, he uttered ‘I'M TOO CLOSE’ and signed off “see you on the other side” to his beautiful wife, Mattie J. Taylor-Foster, who will forever cherish his memory. Also embracing fond memories are his children: Tristan Mathis Caldwell (Rev. Michael) and Leslie “Rayvon” Foster II; bonus son: Kenneth Winters; grandchildren: Lanna M. Morris and Leschel I. Mojica; bonus grandchildren: Harvey C. Mathis II and Devan L. Mathis; step-grandchildren: Serena M. Caldwell and Marcus A. Caldwell; Fourteen Great grandchildren; The Taylors--Brothers: George, Jim, Don, and Henry; Sisters: Dot, Virgie, Jenny and Betty; a host of Godchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family members, the gospel community and dear friends.