Francis Neil Folks

Francis Neil Folks born March 31, 1939 to Elmer and Elsie Folks of Ashland KS. He spent his childhood on their wheat and grass farm with his brother Ray. He graduated from Ashland High school in 1957. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from Hayes KS College in Wildlife Biology. Neil then moved to Logan UT to work on his Master’s degree Botany. It was during this time, while working in Ouray UT that he met Merlene Marshall. They Married March 15, 1963. They welcomed their first child Vala. After finishing his Master’s degree he went to work for Utah Wildlife Game and Fish. He and his small family moved to Brown’s Part UT in 1968. They lived in a small camper trailer with no running water while waiting for the refuge home to be built. They welcomed their second child Neilene and then third child Courland. Neil worked as wildlife refuge manager and game warden. He was a mentor to multiple interns. He and Merlene rehabbed a multitude of wildlife. They were active in the local community activities.

After 33 years he retired and moved to Craig, CO. He met his second life partner Teri Mansfield. They set up shot and he spent the next 24 years continuing his education, volunteering with Big Brother, Big Sisters, Love Inc. He was a pastor for Moffat County jail and did grief counseling for Northwest Colorado Health. He was active in the Rotary Club and the Fuller Center for Housing. He succumbed to cancer on August 31, 2023. He is preceded in death by his parents and several very beloved dogs. His is survived by his 3 children and 4 grandchildren, brother Ray (Ernie) Folks, partner Teri Mansfield, several cats and a bunch of friends. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Fuller Center for housing, Craig Rotary Club and Love Inc, in care of Grant Mortuary. Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 9, 2023 at St. Mark's Church of Grace.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grantmortuarycraig.com for the Folks family.