Alexander Folts Jr.

Alexander Jonathon (Jack) Folts Jr., 82, of Mills, Wyoming passed peacefully away on January 28, 2011 at Wyoming Medical Center after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease, Jack was born August 12, 1928 to Ethel Elizabeth DuMont and Alexander Jonathon Folts Sr. in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from high school in 1946 and shortly after met Billie Jean Whitehead, who became his wife on January 24, 1951.
Jack enlisted in the US Army in January 1949, one week prior to receiving his draft letter for the Korean War and labeling him a draft dodger. He served 9 years as a radio operator and was honorably discharged in January 1958. Following his military service, he and Billie moved to Virginia, finally settling in Remington, where Jack worked at Atlantic Research Company, a rocket company for 33 years and became a master electrician. He and Billie spent 40 years together until her passing in January 1991. They had no children of their own, but did adopt many dogs and cats over the years, both being animal lovers. However, in 1985 at a Folts family reunion, 2 year old great niece, Janel called him Grandpa for the first time and the title remained from then on.
Jack retired and moved to Devine, TX in 1991, following Billie's death, where he became a pecan and peach picker until his decision to move to Wyoming in 1995. He made his home in Mills, WY, but also owned cabin property in the Big Horn Mountains. Over the years in Wyoming he enjoyed spending time with family, volunteering in several schools with field trips, reading programs and giving talks about rockets. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time at his cabin. He was an avid ham radio operator an continued that until the Alzheimer's forced him to stop in 2007. He retired at Maurice Griffith Manor, followed by Shepherd of the Valley in his remaining years.
Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Billie, his parents, sister, Margaret, brother Bill, 1 nephew and 2 nieces. Survivors include his sister, Elizabeth (Bob) Hodnett and brother, James (Sandy) Folts of San Antonio, TX., brother, Tom (Ann) Folts of Gun Barrel City, TX., half brother David (Bonnie) DuMont of Casper, WY, 8 nephews, 11 nieces, Many great nephews and nieces an their children. He is also survived by his 2 dogs, Squeakie and Petey, who he remembered dearly until the very end.
Memorial services will be held on February 26, 2011 at 1:00 pm. At St. Mark's Episcopal Church at 7th & Wolcott in Casper, WT with Right Reverend James E. Folts (Ret.) officiating. Cremation has already taken place. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Alzheimer's research (Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011) and the Casper Science Center would be appreciated.