Theodore “Ted” Foster, the familiar voice behind Adams County’s airwaves for nearly three decades, died Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025, at Hospice of Dayton. He was 72.
For listeners across southern Ohio, Foster’s voice was as much a part of daily life as their morning coffee. Whether delivering the local newscast, hosting C103’s community program You’re in C103 Country, trading stories on Trash ’n’ Treasure, or broadcasting live from county fairs and festivals, Ted Foster’s warm presence connected people to their communities.
Foster’s career began on a cold December morning in 1981, when WRAC first signed on under the ownership of Virginia M. Purdy. Then a part-time disc jockey from Peebles, Foster quickly became a trusted and familiar voice. Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become station manager, guiding the station through its transition to C103 in 1996 under the ownership of Donald and Venita Bowles and DreamCatcher Communications, Inc.
When Foster retired in 2010, the station held a reception attended by community members, former coworkers, and friends who stopped by to thank him for nearly 30 years of service. “I have no plans right now, I’m just going to take it easy for a while and wind down,” he said that day, though few doubted he’d soon find new ways to stay busy.
Retirement didn’t quiet his voice. Foster continued to narrate Christmas and Easter programs at the Brookville Church of the Brethren, digitized historical recordings at the Brethren Heritage Center, and chronicled his hometown’s stories through his blog, Stories of Peebles, preserving the history of the community he loved. Away from the microphone, he enjoyed music, trains, traveling, history, genealogy, photography, space-station watching, and collecting hat pins.
Foster is survived by his wife of 15 years, Charlene; sisters-in-law Dodie Foster and Sharon Readington; numerous nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends.
Services: Visitation will be held Saturday, Oct. 18, from 5:00–8:00 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 19, from 2:00–3:30 p.m., both at the Brookville Church of the Brethren, followed by a celebration of life. Interment will be held at the family’s convenience.
Memorial contributions may be made to:
- Adams County Historical Society, Attn: Mary Fulton, 7087 St. Rt. 73, Peebles, OH 45660
- Brookville Church of the Brethren, P.O. Box 397, Brookville, OH 45309
- Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420
From first sign-on to final sign-off, Ted Foster’s steady voice and genuine warmth helped shape the sound of local radio and the spirit of community it represented. His microphone may be silent, but his legacy will echo for years to come.
