John Dean Foulks, 76, of Batavia, Illinois (formerly of Danforth, Illinois) passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026 surrounded by his family.
John was born on July 19, 1950 at Jasper County Hospital in Rensselaer, Indiana, to the late L. Dean and Maxine L. (Bachman) Foulks. He grew up on a dairy farm in Jasper County, Indiana. He earned his bachelor’s of science degree from Olivet Nazarene College and his master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago.
After college, John began his career as a social worker at Manteno State Hospital. He later served as day program director at Good Shepard Manor, where he helped establish and coach the Special Olympics team. He also worked as a social worker in the school systems. During his retirement years, he worked at Hilton Garden Inn and Tractor Supply.
John loved missionary work and devoted his adult life to sharing his faith and serving the Lord. For 15 years, he participated in street ministry in cities across the country through No Greater Love Ministries and Common Ground Ministries and other outreach organizations. He enjoyed bringing the message of Jesus Christ to others through evangelism. He viewed each chapter of his ministry as a calling from God and found deep joy in helping others build a relationship with Jesus.
John enjoyed golfing, fishing, riding horses, hunting, camping, biking, and gardening. He loved tinkering on projects around the house and spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his kind heart, laugh, strong work ethic, and deep faith.
John is survived by his wife, Sharon “Shar” (Zygadlo) Foulks; his children, Christopher Sean Foulks (wife: Tina), Kelly Jo Lateano (husband: Danny), and Taylor John Foulks (wife: Katherine); and his stepsons, Corey Pomon (wife: Kristina), Michael Doornbos (wife: Jessica) and Nathan Doornbos. His family also includes his grandchildren, Hunter Foulks, Chelsea McElfresh, Jessica Gall, Jacqueline Lateano, Isabella Pomon, Nicholas Pomon, and Sophia Pomon. Great-grandson Zander Rose. He is also survived by his sisters, Linda Leman (husband: Daniel), Martha Winger, and Diana Batterbee (husband: Jerry), as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, L. Dean and Maxine L. (Bachman) Foulks; his brother-in-law, Russell L. Winger; and his stepson, Jack D. Pomon.
A celebration of life will be held at Manteno Church of God, 126 E. 1st, Manteno, Illinois, on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Visitation will begin at 5 pm CDT and services will be held at 6 pm CDT.
Interment will take place at Roseland Cemetery, 12618 W. 500 S. Francesville, Indiana, on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 12 pm Noon EDT.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Common Ground Ministries at cgmok.com/donations to continue John’s passion to spread God’s word.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Local arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Francesville.
