William Folkner

William E. "Bill" Folkner, rural LaHarpe, KS, passed away Friday, April 18, 2014, at his home. He was 91 years old. Bill was born July 4, 1922, outside of Chattanooga, TN, to John and Cleo (Abel) Folkner. Bill was the youngest of eight children. Bill married the late Betty (LaMunyon) Folkner, rural Mildred, KS, on January 30, 1947, in Chattanooga. They made their home in numerous communities across the United States before retiring on the Windy Hill Farm east of LaHarpe in 1975. Bill and Betty later divorced in 1988. Bill had many work experiences during his life. His earliest job was at a jelly factory at the age of 13 in Chattanooga. Later, as a member of the Tennessee National Guard, he was ordered to Active Duty to fight in the Pacific region during WWII. While on Active Duty, he obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Bill was distinguished with the Bronze Star Medal for his actions in combat. After being discharged from the Army, Bill sold insurance and attended college, graduating from law school to become a lawyer. After graduating from law school, Bill worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Mexico for a short time before applying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). In 1953, he was hired by Mr. J. Edgar Hoover to be a FBI agent and was a Special Investigator within the FBI until his retirement in 1975. Since his retirement from the FBI, Bill has been a cattleman and rancher on the Windy Hill Farm. Survivors are one daughter, Carol Tracy, Tucson, AZ; two sons, John Folkner, Albuquerque, NM and Robert Folkner of West Lafayette, IN; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings. Cremation has taken place with the inurnment at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, Chattanooga, TN. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.iolafuneral.com .