Dr. Raymond Welch Foster, 85, of Grambling, Louisiana, mounted on his white stallion and rode off into the desert as he always wanted to do on January 6, 2020 after his long battle with Parkinson's.

He was born in Joplin, Missouri, on August 29, 1935, son of the late James LeRoy and Twlia Foster.  He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter Wanda Foster. He is survived by his wife Joan Lee Maxwell; son Adam "Bucky" Cox and wife Ladonna; daughter: Lucita and husband James Smith, adopted daughter: Grace Hays; adopted son, John Shadowens; grandchildren: Alexzander Cox, John "Max" Shadowens, Aurora Shadowens, Paul Shadowens and wife Becca, Xavier and wife Erin, and Brandy Shadowens; great-grandchildren: Nathan and Abigail Shadowens, Trevor, Eli and Grant.

Ray graduated from Joplin High School, went on to serve in the United States Army at Fort Carson, Colorado.  He received a bachelor's degree and master's degree before going to the University of Kansas where he received his PhD in Psychology.  He worked in research, primarily with the mentally handicapped and wrote many training manuals in that field.  He was a professor at SMU, teaching statistics. He was the creator and owner of Camelot Behavioral Systems, a consulting firm for the mentally impaired.  He was recognized worldwide for behavioral modification programs.  In 1985 he became a professor at Grambling State University in Sociology and Psychology.  While at GSU he worked on projects with colleagues, guided several students to their PhD's; he was known as a hard, but fair and caring teacher.  He will greatly be missed by all whose hearts and minds he touched.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM, Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Owens Memorial Chapel.  Family, friends and the hearts that he touched are welcome to gather and share memories as we say farewell to this wonderful man.