| Dr. A.L. Folkner | ||||||
Al died on a beautiful sunny Arizona day at his home in Tubac on Nov. 14 after an extended illness. He was born May 24, 1930, to Frank and Helen Folkner in Iola, Kan. Al was the only 12-time varsity letterman to date in Iola High School history. His athletic abilities led to a football scholarship at the University of Central Missouri, where he majored in physical education and biology. Following graduation in 1952, Al attended Kansas University Medical School where he received his degree in family practice and became a lifelong Jayhawk fan. Due to the keen matchmaking skills of his Aunt Ruth, he met and married his true love Barbara Ann Marak in 1955. Al entered the Navy following medical school. The Folkners were assigned to bases in Camp Pendleton Calif., Pensacola Fla., where he became a flight surgeon, and Olathe Naval Air Station, Kan., from 1957-1961. Following discharge from the Navy, he joined his mentor and lifelong friend, Dr. T. Reed Maxson, in his medical practice in Warrensburg. Dr. Folkner was a member of the American Board of Family Practioners and a charter Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians. He earned his pilot's license and instrument rating, during his early years in Warrensburg. He served on Warrensburg City Council and was mayor pro-tem. Al served twice as chief of staff at Western Missouri Medical Center. He was a member and past president of the Warrensburg School Board. Al was president of Rotary in 1987-88, and was distinguished as Rotary International Volunteer of the Year. He was actively involved at the University of Central Missouri, serving as team physician for several years. He was appointed to the University's Board of Regents in 1982, serving as president from 1986-1988. Al was honored as UCM Distinguished Alumni in 1991 and inducted into the UCM Athletic Hall of Fame in 2008. The Folkners were members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where Al participated on parish council, as lecturer and choir member. He was actively involved in Catholic Charities. The Folkners moved to southern Arizona in 1996. Al enjoyed retirement, playing golf, bridge, reading and grilling out on his patio with his beloved mountain view. He cherished the many special friendships he found in Tubac. Recognizing the need for local healthcare, he led fundraising efforts to establish a local medical clinic, and recruited Dr. Tom Linnemann to serve their small community in Arizona. The Folkners were members of St. Ann's Parish in Tubac. Al is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara; and four daughters, Pat (Mark) Leicht, St. Louis, Sue (Cyril) Kapsner, Birchwood Village, Minn., Lisa (Jim) Bevill, Macon, Ga., and Ann (Mark) Angers, Mission Hills, Kan. Known as "Doc" to his 12 grandchildren, they are Joe and Ben Pryor, John (Nina), Andrew, Peter and Annie Leicht, Joe, Tom and Chris Kapsner, and Eric, Martha and Elizabeth Bevill. His great-grandchildren are Boston Lea Caylor-Pryor and Jackson Leicht. Doc often remarked how pleased he was that his grandchildren were such good friends. Al is also survived by a sister, Dora Lou Clements of Humbolt, Kan.; sister-in-law, Jane Leifer of Kansas City; and several nephews and nieces. The family wishes to thank Valor Hospice and Diane and Natalie VanAlstine, who were most caring and thoughtful to Al and his entire family at the end of his journey. Determined, resilient, loving, with an echoing laugh, Al gave God all the glory for his life, through his illness, and the way he faced eternity. The family will greet friends at Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home in Warrensburg on Friday, Nov. 25, from 5 to p.m. A Mass of Celebration followed by burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Warrensburg on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 10 a.m. A memorial service will also be held at a later date in Tubac, Ariz. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to either the University of Central Missouri Athletic Foundation for football scholarships or the Tubac Healthcare Foundation, and both can be left at the funeral home. If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you, If all men count with you, but none too much: If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And - which is more - you'll be a Man, my son! (Excerpt from "If" by Rudyard Kipling) 
Dr. Folkner was selected to the University of Central Missouri Sports Hall of Fame
Special Recognition
Dr. Al Folkner - Team Physician
Dr. Folkner assisted Hall of Famer Dr. Reed Maxon, treating student-athletes for several years before serving as the UCM team physician from 1991-94. He is a long time supporter and booster of Central Missouri athletics and played for the Mules football team in the 1950’s.
Our condolences and prayers to the Folkners, Barbara, Pat, Sue, Lisa, Ann extended family and friends from the Classes of 73. |
Started in 2008 as a 1973 class reunion page by Bruce Uhler passionate, about Johnson County, MO history.
November 17, 2011
Dr. Al Folkner Passes Away, Father to Pat, Sue, Lisa, Ann
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