Dexter Joseph Folse

A lifelong Louisiana resident, Dexter was born on April 4th, 1932 in White Castle to George Lucien Folse and Osiana Marie Sanchez Folse. Following graduation from White Castle High school he made his way to LSU to study accounting. A true Tiger fan, Dexter’s love for LSU sports, especially football and baseball was solidified when he was a freshman living in the universities’ stadium dorms. After graduation from LSU Dexter married his childhood sweetheart Carol Ann Melancon Folse of Donaldsonville, Louisiana and for the next 66 years, the two lived out a loving, enduring Christian marriage centered on God and family. Theirs was a storybook romance, and Carol and Dexter were utterly devoted to each other and had too many joyful days to count. They especially loved dancing and Dexter was a longtime member of the Krewe of Tucumcari, reigning as King for several balls. Following LSU Dexter served as a pilot in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in McAllen, Texas. After his service, Dexter and Carol settled permanently in Baton Rouge where they raised their two sons Jeffrey Joseph Folse and the late Scott Joseph Folse. Aside from his family, Dexter’s businesses were his life’s work. In 1958 he helped form two thriving companies that are currently in their third generation of family ownership: DMI Contractors and Louisiana Air Systems. Although a serious, dedicated and ambitious businessman, Dexter always made time for his family. In his younger years he spent endless hours playing with his grandchildren in their backyard fishing, paddle boating and going on walks and bike rides. He was truly a second father to his beloved grandchildren and thoroughly supported and attended all of their various activities.

Dexter also loved nature and was an avid duck hunter, making many a hunt at Pecan Island. He passed on this love to his family. Dexter was a man of humility, integrity and sensibility, and he was endlessly loyal to those he loved. A very wise man, Dexter was even tempered, patient, steady and truly possessed a gentle, quiet spirit. He was also known for his quick humor and witty remarks. Dexter never hesitated to call a spade a spade and disarmed others with his “no-nonsense” outlook.

A devout and faith filled Catholic, he was an active member and servant of St. Patrick's Catholic Church where he and Carol were parishioners for over 30 years. Dexter will be so very missed but the lessons he taught and boundless love and generosity he shared will be felt for generations to come. We love you Dex and you will live in our hearts forever.

Dexter is survived by his son, Jeffrey Joseph Folse and wife Regina Bennett Folse; daughter-in-law, Julie Rountree Folse; grandchildren, Brandi Folse Slade (Bryan), Bradley Joseph Folse (Johnette), Laura Caroline Folse, Kristina Folse Sevin (John Paul), Scott Rountree Folse and Brennan Dexter Folse; great-grandchildren, Diana Marie Slade, Danielle Claire Slade, Olivia Anne Slade, John Douglas Sevin, Lilliana Elaine Sevin, Henry Joseph Folse, Dean Louis Folse and Evelyn Claire Folse; nieces, Nicole Melancon Fairess (Rick), Lisa Melancon Ganucheau (Tommy) and children, and Donna Folse Koym (Darrin); great nieces, Aubrey and Bailey Fairess, and Shawn Williams Kleinpeter; great nephew, and niece Shay Kleinpeter and Anna Boe Chamberlain; nephew Brent Melancon (Mindy) and children; and special friend Norma Doiron of White Castle, Louisiana.

Dexter was preceded in death by his son, Scott Joseph Folse; wife, Carol Ann Melancon Folse; siblings, Donald, Joseph, Clinton, Roy, Mildred and Hazel Folse; and his parents, George Lucien Folse and Osiana Marie Sanchez Folse.

Visitation will be held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on 12424 Brogdon Lane on Friday, September 15th, 2023 at 1:00 pm followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Greenoaks Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jeffrey Folse, Bradley Folse, Scott Folse, Brennan Folse, Bryan Slade, John Paul Sevin, Rick Fairess, Chad Rousse, Pat Crawford and Dustin Brewer. Special thanks to caregivers Lashawnta, Joanne and Sherilyn; and Sydney with Audubon hospice for their loving care of Dexter. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church or the American Heart Association or another charity of choice. Please visit www.greenoaksfunerals.com to leave condolences to the family.