Robert Walter Folsom

Robert Walter Folsom passed away peacefully at home in Pipe Creek, Texas, on Friday, April 26, 2024, with his wife, Mary Ann Smith, daughter, Christina Folsom, and son-in-law Carlos Becerra at his side. He was born on October 24, 1950, in Grass Valley, California, to Walter and Kathryn Carlson. Robert’s dad died when he was very young, and he was later adopted by his stepfather, Dr. Charles Folsom.

The family eventually settled in Orange, Texas, where Robert graduated from Lutcher Stark High School in 1969. He attended Lamar University and graduated with a B.A. in History. For many years Robert worked at DuPont Sabine River Works as a millwright, maintenance mechanic, pipefitter, and eventually became a maintenance planner/scheduler. Later on, he became a contract safety manager and retired in 2016.

Robert was predeceased by his mother and father, and son, Robert Gerald Folsom. He is survived by his wife, daughter, and son-in-law, and two grandsons, Robert Jaydison Folsom, and Kyan King Becerra.

Robert was a bass player for many years in a local band and was a huge fan of all kinds of music. He had an amazing gift to know and remember the names of all members, and instruments they played, in both the famous and obscure rock and roll bands of the 60s and 70s. He was also a longtime, diehard IndyCar and F1 race fan and had encyclopedic knowledge of decades’ worth of races and their winners. After retiring, Robert became a horticultural volunteer at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature center. He greatly enjoyed helping and schmoozing with staff and fellow volunteers. He was a kind, generous, compassionate man with a wicked dry sense of humor and the ability to get along with everyone. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Memorials may be given to Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center, a place he dearly loved.

Arrangements are being handled by Grimes Bandera Funeral Chapel.