Philip Gordon Folsom passed away on Sunday, November 2nd, 2025, at his home in Chesterfield, MO surrounded by loved ones. He battled Leukemia for the last 2+ years and was ready to rest and rejoin his beloved wife, Kay.

Phil was born in Garland, OK in 1937 in an apartment attached to the schoolhouse where his Father taught and where the family lived. Phil is survived by his 3 grown children; Jennifer Lee of Rock Hill MO, Scott Folsom of Chesterfield MO, and Emily VanArsdale of Lenexa KS, 4 grandchildren; Sammi Scherping, Kyle Folsom, Maddie VanArsdale and Graham VanArsdale and one great grandson, Mason Scherping and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his wife of nearly 62 years, Barbara Kay, his parents, Haskell and Louise Folsom, an older sister, Myrna Butler and a younger sister, Debbie Liles.

Phil was an amazing husband, Father, Grandfather and Great-grandfather throughout his 88 years. He was well known as a fair and respected businessman, an avid gardener and reader and a kind, gentle soul. He spent his entire career in the Communications industry, working for Southwestern Bell / AT&T. His work took the family from Texas (Dallas, Lubbock and Fort Worth) to St. Louis MO, Springfield MO, Bridgewater NJ, Kansas City MO and back to St. Louis MO again. He retired early and finished out his career with a consulting job on the East Coast and then settled into a life of retirement, travel, golf, grandparenting and gardening.

Throughout his life, Phil was active and enjoyed many hobbies. Softball, company social activities and bird hunting in his early years, evolved into boating, fishing, travel, golf, and community service. Ever present throughout his life was his love for gardening and landscaping.
Phil loved entertaining at home with Kay, and they spent many hours on the deck that he lovingly and tenaciously tended to. Their garden and pond/waterfall area had been enjoyed by family, friends, and neighbors for more than 30 years. It was a source of joy and celebration for many occasions both formal and informal.

Phil served on the Chesterfield Police Personnel Board for 18 years, 15 of those as Chairman. He was a dedicated citizen of Chesterfield and became recognized as a well-respected community service leader. He was also a member of the West County Chamber of Commerce and volunteered for the annual United Way Campaign of St. Louis for 9 years after the end of his business career.

In 2006, Phil and Kay were jointly awarded the Chesterfield Citizens of the Year Award for their civic contributions and countless hours of volunteer service to enhance the quality of life in the Chesterfield community. They were also volunteers for Ready Readers and OASIS, a student mentoring program for 10 years.

Phil's greatest source of joy was his grandchildren. He loved hosting "Camp Nana Papa" with his grandkids every summer and creating long lasting, wonderful memories together for many years. Phil was a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He will be truly missed.

Services:  Memorial Gathering at the Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, December 6th, 2025, from 10:00am to 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice. Friends may sign the family's online guestbook at Shrader.com.