A football coach whose career spanned over a decade, Lonnie Foster passed away on August 19, 2025, at the age of 92.
Lonnie’s passing comes just 11 days after he celebrated his 92nd birthday.
Coach Lonnie Foster is survived by his kids, Dana Foster and Paul Foster, and several grandchildren.
His daughter Dana Foster disclosed the exclusive news of his demise via a Facebook post, which reads:
The time has come. Our Dad, our Hero, Coach Lonnie Foster passed away peacefully yesterday.
Dana Foster
We couldn’t be more proud of connections he made throughout his teaching and coaching career in Eloy and Chandler. He always loved hearing from former players, coaches and students.
“As a former Sun Devil he was so looking forward to the upcoming football season. I see him standing on the field with a sideline view. We love you Daddy ♥️” she added in the post.
Born in Los Angeles, California, Lonnie Foster moved to Winslow, AZ, with his family.
A graduate of 1952 Winslow High School, Lonnie earned his Associate of Arts degree from Eastern Arizona Junior College in 1955.
Likewise, he also received his Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University in 1957.
After his undergraduate degree, Lonnie served in the United States Army from 1958 until 1959.
Right after the discharge from the service, he landed and accepted his very first teaching position at Trona High School in Trona, California.
Later, Lonnie arrived at Santa Cruz Valley Union High School in 1960 as a mathematics teacher and stayed at Santa Cruz until 1972.
During his time at Santa Cruz, he achieved his Master’s Degree in Education from Northern Arizona University in 1970.
In 1965, Lonnie became the head football coach at Santa Cruz, which marked one of his most significant positions in his career.
He led the Dust Devils to three 3A State Championships in 1965, 1966, and 1969.
Two of those championship teams went undefeated, finishing with perfect 12-0 records.
During his seven years as head coach at Santa Cruz, Lonnie’s teams achieved an impressive record of 67 wins, 13 losses, and 1 tie, losing only two games across those three championship seasons.
In 1972, Lonnie left Eloy to take the head football coaching position at Chandler High School.
He continued his passion to inspire players and students until 1981.
Thanks to his remarkable achievements as a coach, which earned Lonnie a place in the Arizona Coaches Hall of Fame in 1987.
And later in 2016, his peers recognized his impact on a national level, inducting him into the National High School Athletic Coaches Hall of Fame.
Lonnie retired from education in 1990, but remained a cherished figure in the community.
Thus far, the details surrounding Lonnie’s funeral services have yet to be published by his family.
Meanwhile, we pray for the strength of his kids, Dana and Paul, friends, well-wishers, and extended family.
Rest Easy, Coach Lonnie Foster!
