Merle Folsom

MERLE RAYMOND FOLSOM KANKAKEE-Merle Raymond Folsom, 84, formerly of Sterling, died Wednesday, July 6, 2011 in Kankakee. He was employed at the former Northwestern Steel and Wire Company as a Crane Mechanic. Merle was born September 9, 1926 to Lawson and Blanche (Gallentine) Folsom. He served in the United States Navy during WWII in the South Pacific. The Folsom's lived and worked in the Sterling and Rock Falls area for generations. His father, Lawsom Folom, Sr. was a jouneyman carpenter and block layer. His brother, Lawson Jr. (Red) owned and operated Folsom Bakery which is still open in Rock Falls. His sister, Alice "Tiny" with her husband Edwin had a farm in Morrison. His other brothers worked in the steel mill. Survivors include two daughters, Kathleen (Edwin) Folsom of Savanna and Elizabeth Dougherty of North Port, Florida; four sons, Gary Gene (Dian) Folsom of North Port, FL, Michael Timothy of Aspen, CO, John Folsom of IL and Kenneth (Della) Folsom of York, PA; twelve grandchildren; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Thomas Raymond; two sisters, Alice "Tiny" Dettman and Mina Chapman; four brothers, Herman, Francis, Lawson "Red" and Raymond Folsom. There will be no services. Cremation rites have been accorded. Condolences may be sent to schillingfuneralhome.com.