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January 23, 2018
Wednesday night at the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet, a veteran will win HTV’s Eugene Folse Outstanding Veteran Award – an honor that goes annually to a local hero who fought bravely to protect our country from evil.
Earlier in the day, the namesake of that prestigious honor will be laid to rest, as family, friends and colleagues remember a warm, brave, hard-working man who did so much for so many during his time on earth.
Eugene Folse entered into eternal life on Friday, surrounded by family.
Folse, 90, is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lorraine Leonard Folse; six children—Michael Folse (Pam), Myrna Folse, Martin Folse, Amy Faciane (John, Sr.) of New Orleans, Elinor LeBoeuf (Kevin) and Leonard Folse; seven grandchildren who endearingly called him “Pop”—Dr. John L. Faciane, Jr. (Emily), Joshua Faciane, Mitchell Folse, Christian Folse, Sean Folse, Dominic LeBoeuf, Elise LeBoeuf, and one great grandchild, John L. Faciane, III. He is survived by two sisters, Leonie Enos (CA) and Odette Toups (Thibodaux) and many nieces and nephews.
Family members shared memories of Mr. Folse this week to The Times, remembering him for his bravery, diligence and rare ability to make everyone around him smile.
“I think the entire family verbatim would say that Eugene Folse was the best dad, grandfather, uncle, father-in-law, cousin or friend that any person could ever wish for,” a statement from the family reads. “We are all heartbroken, but our faith teaches us that Heaven is where he longed to be. On his transition from earth to Heaven, he spoke of Heaven on two occasions. He talked of his family being around him. What a blessing. What a gift.”
Mr. Eugene’s 90 years were filled with lots of wonderful living.
He was born in 1927 to Hector Folse Sr. and Phelonise Waguespack Folse – the youngest son of a family with three older brothers, five older sisters and two younger twin sisters.
Young Eugene was a fighter from birth. He was baptized just hours after birth because doctors feared he might not live through a medical issue.
“But those doctors did not know Eugene Folse,” the family said, showing the resolve in Eugene to push through it.
As a boy, young Eugene watched his dad make wagon wheels at Laurel Grove Plantation. Hector ran the shop that kept all the equipment functioning on the plantation.
Through those honest, humble beginnings, Eugene developed a strong work ethic, which powered a lot of his adult life.
He graduated from L.T. High School but missed the ceremony when Uncle Sam called and he was drafted into the Navy during World War II.
During his time in the military, Eugene Folse served around the world, even working on the U.S.S. Briscoe, which was later decommissioned and used in the testing of one of the two atomic bombs, which helped the U.S. win the war.
As the bombs hit, Eugene helped to set up data recovery devices 15 miles away.
“He said it was the most impressive thing he had ever seen,” the family said.
After WWII, Eugene was honorably discharged, but he continued on in his service, voluntarily re-enlisting back into the Navy for the Korean Conflict.
There, he served on the U.S.S. Bennington where he witnessed the transformation from folded wing bombers to jets on the carrier.
The Korean Conflict was difficult for our military and Eugene watched hundreds of his buddies die one day during a massive explosion. He had to call some of the victim’s families to let them know of the tragedy – one of the most difficult things he’s ever had to do.
Like most Cajuns do, Eugene made his way back to Louisiana, starting a family with Lorraine Leonard.
As a dad, children say that Eugene Folse was strict, but fair.
He loved his kids and always stayed up with their activities growing up.
Eugene coached little league teams and he loved to take the family out to trawl.
But perhaps more significant to the family now are the little things – those warm summer days swinging the night away on the porch, telling and listening to stories – or those many afternoons where Eugene transformed into a quarterback or a pitcher, tossing the ole pigskin or baseball around the yard for hours of fun.
Away from his home life, Eugene served his church and community in several capacities. He was a past Grand Knight of Council 1317 Knight of Columbus, and also held different offices of the Council. He was also a member of the VFW, American Legion, Holy Name Society, St. Joseph Husband of Mary Society, past usher at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral, a faithful participant and supporter of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School, Vandebilt Catholic, and many other volunteer events.
Being outdoors was like no other to Eugene, who developed a huge green thumb throughout his life.
He spent hours in his garden – even late into his life. He loved the flower that Okra makes. Growing vegetables and plants always made Eugene smile.
He was also a bit of a local celebrity – even if he didn’t know it.
Eugene was featured on HTV programming several times throughout his adult life and audience members always said they loved his wit and humor – a sense of humor that family members said they were blessed to see every day.
“He loved to laugh and joke around,” the family remembers. “He told joke after joke and would always cut up with cousins and family.”
Later in life, Eugene Folse showed he was tough – Eugene Tough.
He battled and survived both kidney and prostrate cancer, while also enduring a heart attack, open-heart surgery and knee replacements on both knees.
“Yet, he kept on every day working the garden and fishing,” the family said. “He never let any of this take over. He was Eugene Tough.”
Last fall, Eugene turned 90 and family and friends gathered for a night of celebration.
On that day, Eugene was given his mom’s refurbished old rocking chair – a gift which made him smile.
“He often talked about his mom and dad – the way we all talk about Pop and Granny,” the family said.
And now, they’re reunited again in paradise, smiling down today as another brave military man is given the Eugene Folse Award for bravery and excellence as a serviceman/servicewoman.
Visitation for Eugene Folse will be held Wednesday at St. Francis de Sales Cathedral from 10:30 a.m. until a mass of Christian burial at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks those interested to please consider a donation to the Sisters of Mt. Carmel (P.O. Box 476 Lacombe, Louisiana, 70445), St. Francis de Sales Cathedral School or Vandebilt Catholic High School.
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