Obituary of Karl Folmar

Karl Lee Folmar, 85, of State College, died Monday, November 26, at his residence, after a long illness. Born January 28, 1927, in Drifting, he was the son of the late Edgar and Elva Smith Folmar. On December 20, 1952, he married Lois M. Zink, who survives. Also surviving are three children, Cindy Tier and her husband, Carl, of Pennsylvania Furnace, K. Alan Folmar and Kim Shapelow, both of State College; one brother, Clark Folmar and his wife, Nell, of Currwensville, four sisters, Ruth Gurbal of Clearfield, Ethel Fisher and her husband, Harold, of Ohio, Bonnie Wisor and her husband, Marshall, of Mineral Springs, Betty Hutchings and her husband, Bob, of Beech Creek; one brother in law, Crevling A. Merrell of Danville; seven grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica, Joshua, Kyle, Rachael, Adam and Kory; seven great-grandchildren, Breanna, Shayla, Gabriel, Jeriah, Isabella, Arianna and Alyssa and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a son, Gary, a brother, Maynard, and two sisters, Alma Merrell and Grace Conaway. Karl grew up in Peale, one of nine children. He attended Cooper High School for 3 years until he left school to join the Navy. He served 2 years with distinction as a Coxswain in the Pacific Theater during World War II. He returned to school and graduated in 1947. During and after high school, he was an avid football player who eventually played Semi-Pro for the Osceola Redskins. Karl retired from SCI Rockview where he worked from 1953-1978 as a Corrections Officer. Upon retirement, he and his son, Alan, owned Folmar and Son, a successful painting business, for many years in the State College area. One of Karl's dreams was to build his family a house. With the help of his family and friends, this dream became a reality in 1979. His success in business can be directly attributed to his tireless work ethic. He took pride in the fact that he always left his customers satisfied. He had a witty sense of humor and a smile that would light up a room. He carried these incredible attributes until his last day. His passions were flower and vegetable gardening, football, and hunting. He was a member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars, American Legion, both of State College and the Moose Lodge of Grassflat. Family and friends will be received from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. Memorial services will follow at the funeral home at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Kelley Baxter officiating. Burial will be in the Messiah Baptist Cemetery, Lanse. Memorial contributions may be made to Home Nursing Agency, 450 Windmere Drive, State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.