Jackie "Jack" L. Follis

Jackie "Jack" L. Follis, 82, of Springfield, passed away at 11:05 p.m. on Thursday, December 27, 2018, at St. Josephs Home. Jack was born on February 26, 1936, in Springfield, the son of Earl and Etta Wingler Follis. He married Saralyn Feller on July 1, 1961, in Springfield. Jack was a 1954 graduate of Lanphier High School. He served his country in the United States Navy from 1954-1958, flying in the Airborne Early Warning Squadron, AEWRON 11, as an aviation electronic technician (radar). His was one of the three squadrons of radar planes that made up the Atlantic Barrier, the airborne seaward extension of the DEW Line, 24-hour airborne surveillance of the Atlantic Ocean. Jack was employed for 34 years by the Federal Aviation Administration, originally at the Indianapolis International Airport, later transferring home to the radar facility at Capital Airport, Springfield. He was a Cub Master for Pack 354 and a Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 336. Jack also participated in competitive hot air ballooning events in the United States, Europe, and Japan. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Earl Follis, Jr. and William Follis; and three sisters, Helen Yuskavich, Catherine Yuskavich, and Mary Schroyer. He is survived by his wife, Saralyn Follis of Springfield; one son, David (wife, Laura) Follis of Hyde Park, NY; one grandson, Matthew Follis of Hyde Park, NY; and several nieces and nephews. Private family ceremonies will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., CB1204, St. Louis, MO 63105.