Weldon G. Folwell

Weldon Gene Folwell, 96, of Junction City, Kansas, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2025. Following cremation, a private ceremony will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Xavier Catholic Church, 218 N. Washington Street, Junction City, Kansas, 66441.

Weldon was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on July 30th, 1928, the third of four children to James and Gertrude Fowell, who would soon call Forrest, Illinois home. Like most people born during the Great Depression, Weldon developed a grit and determination early on that would serve him well during his almost 97 years of life. A career US Army Soldier, he missed out serving in World War II because his mother refused to sign the required “Under-Aged Consent” document. He did however serve honorably during the Korean War and Vietnam War. He was a soldier’s soldier. He looked like a soldier, he acted like a soldier, he was a soldier. Because of this, he was selected as an Instructor at the US Army Non-Commissioned Officers Academy, mentoring younger troops providing professional and personal guidance leading them into the next phase of their careers. While stationed in Germany, a beautiful young German woman working as an Au Pair for an American military family caught his eye. He and Hildegunde Marie Kopp were married by law on July 9, 1955, and were married in the church on July 10, 1955, in Schweinfurt, Germany. They enjoyed 67 wonderful years of marriage with their three daughters living in Germany, Hawaii, and finally settling in Junction City.

Anyone who ever met Weldon developed their own unique opinion of him, carried their own special memories of him, and all would agree that he could best be described with just one word, Old School. Technically that is two words but he would put up a good argument that it was only one, so one word it shall be. He had many hobbies and passions during his life including Cars, CB Radios, and Coins. He was not really a car guy, but he loved the art of buying and trading them. He never saw a car he did not have or previously had that he did not want, much to the frustration and amusement of those around him. CB Radios, we will just leave that in the 1970s where it belongs, the Grey Ghost of Kansas is 10-7. His biggest love was coins, which was rooted from his Depression Era upbringing where there were not many to be had. He collected them, researched them, and studied them. His inventory was committed to memory including those that were previously sold, traded, or given away. One of his greatest pleasures was when his coin magazine would arrive in the mail and he would sit and read it cover to cover day after day. He shared this passion with so many others including his daughters, discussing the history, availability, and value of coins. One of their favorite memories he instilled in them was “see a penny pick it up check for Wheaties” that still occurs to this day. One of his best attributes was that there was nothing he would not do to help someone out, no recognition or gratitude required. He did it because he wanted to. If there was a theme to his life, and borrowing a line from Old Blue Eyes, it would be “I did it my way” but the best way to sum up his life is “He Was There”. He will be missed.

He was preceded in death by his wife Hilde Folwell, father James Folwell, mother Gertrude Fowell, and brothers Jimmy and Bob Folwell.

Weldon is survived by his sister, Yvonne Folwell Perks of Springfield, Illinois, three daughters; Rita Folwell of Junction City, Kansas, Beverly Folwell of Bedford, Texas, and Patty Folwell Blaylock (Scott Blaylock) of Abilene Texas; grandson Aaron Blaylock (Courtney Mick Blaylock) of Tumwater, Washington, great granddaughter Brooklyn Blaylock of Tumwater, Washington; nephews and nieces.