Albert Joseph Folta, Jr., 96, of Wellsville, passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at Gamma Road Lodge in Wellsville.

Mr. Folta was born August 21, 1923 in Wellsville, Missouri, a son of Albert Joseph Folta Sr. and Rena Blanche (Craig) Folta.

Jr. served his country in the United States Army, entering on May 1, 1946 and being honorably discharged on October 31, 1947. He served in World War II and was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal and the Army Occupation Medal Japan.

On October 21, 1950 in Montgomery City, Missouri, he married Irene Mae Marie Prior. They celebrated over 69 years of marriage together and were the parents of three sons. Jr. and Irene lived most all of their lives in Wellsville.

Jr. worked for the Wellsville Fire Brick for over 44 years, mostly in maintenance. He retired in 1989.

He was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church in Wellsville. Jr. was a charter member of Wellsville VFW Post 3056. In his younger years and while his boys were growing up, he managed Khoury League baseball for several years.

Jr. enjoyed gardening, wood working and playing cards. In earlier days, he liked fishing and coon hunting. Jr. was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. His entire life was filled with enjoyment of listening to or watching them play. More than anything he loved his family and enjoyed the time he got to spend with his grandchildren.

Jr. is survived by his wife, Irene Mae Marie Folta, of the home in Wellsville; sons, Albert Joseph "Chub" Folta III, of Wellsville, George Edward Folta and wife, Thais, of Cresco, Iowa and Ronald Dean Folta, of Villa Ridge; seven grandchildren, Tonya Coalwell, of Columbia, Shawn Folta, of Phoenix, Arizona, Lucas Folta, of Jonesburg, Hailey Folta, of Villa Ridge, Dana Mills and husband, Josh and Jenni Baltzelle and husband, Chip, all of Stafford, Virginia and Morgan Folta, of Newbury, South Carolina; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; sister, Iva Jean Benskin, of Wellsville; in addition to several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Rosalie Elizabeth Riefle and Dorothy Ann Johnson and brothers, Henry Thomas "Bud" Folta and Harold Edward "Hap" Folta.

Memorial Mass was at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 3, 2020 at Church of the Resurrection in Wellsville. Father Bill Debo officiated with Deacon Ron Deimeke assisting. Serving as organist was Palmyra Dubbert. Cantor was Brenda Hale.

Visitation was held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service, Friday, at the church.

Inurnment was in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Wellsville.

Full Military Honors were provided by Wellsville VFW Post 3056. Missouri Military Funeral Honors folded and presented the United States Flag to his wife, Irene.

Services were under the direction of the Myers Funeral Home in Wellsville.

Memorial contributions were suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital c/o Myers Funeral Home, 203 East Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.