Leon J. Folse

Leon J. Folse, 90, of Victoria, passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2011. Leon was born on January 19, 1921 in Beaumont, Texas to the late Theodore L. and Lucille Chauvin Folse. He was a pilot for the Tom O'Connor family for many years. Leon received the prestigious Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and was also active in the Knights of Columbus, The Quiet Birdmen, the Experimental Aircraft Association and was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church.

Survivors are his wife, Elizabeth Lenz Byars Folse, of Victoria; step sons, Robert Byars, (Wanda) of Kingwood, Richard Byars, (Monica Michell), of Wimberley; daughter in law, Jan Folse, of Bryan; grandchildren, Kevin Byars, Elizabeth Byars Zweifel (Martin), Matt Byars, Amelia Byars Penoli (Jason), Zachary Byars, Stephanie Folse, great grandchildren, Tyler Zweifel, Justin Zweifel, and Autumn Byars.

Preceded in death by parents, first wife, Mary Frances Folse and son, Dr.L.J. (Joe) Folse, Jr.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 1, 2011 from 6 to 8pm at Colonial Funeral Home.

The Funeral Mass will be recited on Saturday, July 2, 2011, 9am at Holy Family Catholic Church, Rev. Bob Knippenberg officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Kevin Byars, Matt Byars, Phil Steen, Larry Reese, Gary Bay, Dr. Richard Rogers and Barry Smith.

Honorary pallbearers are Sam Cattan, Zachary Byars, Doris Martinak, Jock Ross, Susan Dunseth, Georgia Rogers, Len Nicholson, Noble Malik, and Friends from the Flying Community.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph High School Memorial Fund or Holy Family Catholic Church Building Fund.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.colonialfuneralhome.com