Governor Mike Foster is being remembered not only for his work at the Capitol, but how he cared for those in his community.
Foster died on Sunday, one week after going into hospice care. He was 90-years-old.
His friends are remembering a man they say was "kind and compassionate."
Franklin Mayor Eugene Foulcard said, "It's with a heavy heart, all of Franklin had been praying for Governor Foster and we continue to pray for he and his family."
Foulcard fondly remembers Governor Foster not only for his work in politics, but as a neighbor.
"You could approach him, you could talk to him. He didn't worry about the status of anyone, he just accepted and loved people for who they were," Foulcard said.
Often, Foster would be seen around town.
"It wouldn't be anything to see Governor Foster at the post office, one of the banks, just out and about," Foulcard said. "He would drive himself around Franklin."
The two-term Governor was seen as a man who could bridge the political gap and an adviser when needed.
"I could always pick up the phone and say, 'Hey, Mike. How do I vote on this?' He was there for us and he was always there for us," said Sandy McLelland.
She is a close friend of the Fosters and worked on the Governor's campaign.
"We started working for Mike Foster in some trailers at Bayou Sally on his construction site," McLelland said. "He invited us girls to come and do the campaign."
Governor Foster offered McLelland a job in Baton Rouge. She decided to stay home, but ended up working with Foster's wife Alice on the Governor Mansion Foundation.
"Mike wanted to do what's right for the people of Louisiana and that's who he surrounded himself with," McLelland said.
At Franklin City Hall, the flags are at half staff. On the third floor, work is underway to create an archive of the Governor's life. Papers and other priceless items have been donated to document his legacy.
"We're going to miss his genuine leadership and love for the community. He did everything from the heart," Foulcard said.
Governor Foster's museum at Franklin City Hall should be complete in the coming months.
------------------------------------------------------------
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
To reach the newsroom or report a typo/correction, click HERE.
Download our free app for Apple,Android, Roku and Amazon devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Evening News Headlines, Latest COVID-19 Headlines, Morning News Headlines, Special Offers
