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Douglas O'Dell Foster, a devoted public servant, cherished family man, and lifelong protector of his community, passed away peacefully on Memorial Day, May 25, 2026. He was 64 years old.
Born on November 19, 1961, Douglas dedicated his life to law enforcement and the noble pursuit of public service. His career was defined by an unwavering commitment to justice, safety, and the well-being of others. For 23 distinguished years, he served as the Police Chief for the city of Umatilla, Florida, where his leadership, integrity, and profound sense of duty left an indelible mark on the community. Following his retirement from the police force, Douglas continued his mission of service at the Lake Correctional Institution, where he worked diligently as an inspector for seven years.
To those who knew Douglas, they knew his wonderful sense of humor and his quick wit, which brought light and laughter to those around him. He was a man who deeply loved his family, balancing the seriousness of his protective duties with a warm heart and a devotion to the people who meant the most to him.
Beyond his professional legacy, Douglas was a deeply loving husband, brother, and uncle. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen; his stepdaughter, Gianna Bestone; his sister, Charlotte, and her husband Kevin Muniz; and his brother, Jerome, and his wife Una Foster. He also leaves behind a large, loving extended family, including many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish his memory, his wisdom, and his guidance.
Douglas’s life was a testament to sacrifice, honor, and devotion. While he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the law enforcement community, his legacy of service will continue to protect and inspire the lives of those he left behind.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Douglas’s memory to either of the following organizations:
The Michael J. Fox Foundation http://michaeljfox.org/donate
USF Kidney and Hypertension Research Center http://giving.usf.edu
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas O'Dell Foster, please visit our floral store.