Richard Folger

Guy Richard Folger, 78, of Midland along with his wife, Kit Folger, passed away Sunday, July 4, 2010 in Alpine, Texas. A Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church and a Funeral Mass for the couple will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, the Reverend Monsignor Larry Droll officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com. Richard was born September 22, 1931 to Richard Montague Folger and Vada Elsie Short Folger in Perry, Oklahoma. The family moved to Odessa where Richard graduated from Odessa High School, Class of 1949. Richard proudly attended the University of Notre Dame and earned a business degree with a major in commerce in 1953. After graduation, he moved back to Odessa to work with his father. In Odessa, Richard met the love of this life, Mary Catherine May, and they were married in 1954. He served in the United States Air Force stationed at Sealand Air Force Base in Burtonwood, England. In 1956, Richard fulfilled his Air Force term and ended his military career as First Lieutenant. His time in England gave him an appreciation for art and he began his interest for acquiring art, namely oil paintings. Richard loved many things in life. First and foremost, were the Catholic Church and his family. He attended Sunday Mass weekly and for 60 years, beginning with his time at Notre Dame, attended daily Mass. Richard was actively involved in many fundraisers for a number of Catholic and pro-life initiatives. He was an avid reader of history, an art collector, a genealogist of his own family history, and a loyal Fighting Irish fan. Richard’s entrepreneurial spirit and love of art inspired him to establish Folger Galleries in 1970 which he and his wife Kit proceeded to build into one of the largest art galleries in the southwest. He loved the clients who frequented the gallery and was eager to share his enthusiasm and appreciation for art. Richard, always the charismatic storyteller, could give a masterful and meaningful narrative on each piece of art. Richard was a Knight Grand Cross of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, the highest designation the order bestows. He served Lay Master of Ceremonies for a number of years. Richard received the Pilgrim Shell decoration from the order after making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Richard used his passion for art and history to provide artwork and a historical chronicle for the annual programs of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem Southwest Lieutenancy meetings. Richard’s rich knowledge of the order and of history will be greatly missed. Richard was also appointed by Papal decree to be a Knight of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George. It is considered to be the oldest international Roman Catholic order of chivalry. Richard was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild: Richard Folger of Midland and his wife Lois and daughters Katharine and Christine; Donna Hopper of Austin, Texas and sons Juston, Keegan and Trevor and daughters Dylon and Fallon; Mark Folger of Northport, New York and his wife Janna and son Aiden and daughter Lia; Gregory Folger and his wife Shari and sons Kevin, David, and Stephen; Paul Folger of Greenwood and his wife Terri and son Ryan and daughter Jorden; Therese Sitzman of Greenwood and her husband Joe and daughters Megan and Emma; and Anthony Folger of Midland and his wife Ann and daughters Abigail, Amelia, and Allison; and great grandchild, Kali. The family requests that memorials be directed to St. Ann’s Catholic Church or favorite charity. Honorary Pallbearers will be Eugene H. Abbott, John W. Condon, Michael R. Earthman, Joe N. Gifford, Bob Guelich, Joseph G. Rhode, and Sam H. Snoddy.