John D. Folsom

John (Joe) David Folsom died peacefully on Saturday, November 1, 2025, in Lincoln Nebraska at the age of 96. John was born on September 8,1929 in Gordon Nebraska to Hazel and Arthur Folsom. He grew up in Chadron and he graduated from Chadron State College with a BA in Education after lettering four years in football and basketball and two years in track. In 1964 he received his Masters Degree from the University of Wyoming. He married Rose Mary Jones in 1950 in Chadron. They were married 70 years before her passing in 2020.

Joe started his teaching and coaching career in Ogallala Nebraska in 1951, moving on to North Platte and then on to Lincoln High School in Lincoln in 1967. Over the years he taught Social Studies, Economics and Business and coached football and basketball. After retiring from teaching in 1991 he continued with his hobby of woodworking by making furniture, cabinets, picture frames and clocks. He was quite accomplished at it, and many people have enjoyed the fruits of his labor.

In 2008 Joe was inducted into the Lincoln High Athletic Hall of Fame for his participation in the success of the 1968 State Champion football team.

In 2016 he was inducted into the Lincoln High Athletic Hall of Fame for his years of coaching.

Joe liked to have fun and was a big teaser. His sense of humor will be remembered by all those who knew him. He enjoyed hunting, playing poker with the guys and golfing in a league with his brother-in-law Don Jones.

Joe and Rose were long time members of St. Marks United Methodist Church in Lincoln, where he grew in knowledge and love for Jesus Christ.

Joe is survived by his children, Pamela Folsom of Columbus, NE, Bob (Jane) Folsom of Fort Collins, CO, and Cindy (Doug) Carpenter of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Kris (Melissa) Carpenter and Kyle (Clara) Carpenter; 3 great grandchildren, Caden, Olivia and Quinn.

He is preceded in death by, wife Rose Mary, daughter Connie Jo Folsom, 2 brothers, 1 sister and his parents.

A visitation will be held on November 13, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm with funeral service taking place on November 14, 2025, at 10:00 am, both at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S 14th St., Lincoln, NE, 68512.

Memorials are designated to The Chadron State College Foundation.