Breckenridge Texan

Joshua Folsom, 40, of Breckenridge, passed away on Saturday, February 18, 2023. A memorial service will be held at New Destination Church on Saturday, March 18, 2023, and will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Joshua Thomas Folsom was born on February 1, 1983, to Mary and Gil Folsom. He grew up in various places including Alaska, New Mexico, Giddings, Woodson, and Breckenridge. His big brother, Gilby, was his best friend, and wherever you saw one, you saw the other. They were inseparable. He is survived by his mother, Mary Blackman Folsom; brother, Roy “Gilby” Folsom; fiancé, Gina Hernandez; six daughters; four grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and a (quite large) gang of cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Roy “Gil” Folsom.

Josh was such a beautiful soul who loved Jesus, his family, and life itself. He was such an inspiration to us all. He had overcome so much in life that his testimony and love for life helped so many people. He will be forever missed but always in our hearts and memories. The amount of love Josh’s family and friends have for him is so deeply felt making his death a great loss for us. It brought us all great joy to see him so happy with Gina and to see her love him unconditionally. Because of Gina, he got to experience so much more (including football games and community events) that he otherwise would not have. We are forever grateful to her and the instrumental part she played in bringing him closer to Jesus. We are also so very grateful to New Destination Church for sharing the love of Jesus with him and helping him proclaim his faith with baptism regardless of the physical hurdles overcome to make that happen.

*****

My entire childhood I have had one job, really: to look after my brother. This was something I took very seriously. Even though we would argue at times – yes, we fought a time or two – I could say what I wanted about him. But beware to the person that talked about him around me! I loved Joshua, of course. He was my only brother. He was my best friend, worst enemy, and my shadow.

Josh was naturally good at everything. When he went to work, he moved right to the top from CDL to roughnecking because, like I said, he was naturally good at everything

Even though he kept trying for a boy, he got 6 beautiful daughters. He got to name his youngest daughter, Joshlynn, after him and that made him proud. He couldn’t wait to tell me her name! He loves those girls and the grandbabies with all of his heart. He was so proud of each and every one, but regretted that he didn’t get to see them as much as he would have liked.

Something I thought I was going to avoid in writing this – but can’t because he said he wouldn’t change it – was his 2008 gunshot injury. Every year on the anniversary, January 18, he would thank the Lord for giving him another chance and for allowing him to learn the lesson that no one can understand. On that date, he changed – not for the worse, but just a new Josh. He loved the Lord and later he found happiness in fiancé, Gina. Josh was happy when he went, and that is all any of us can ask for.

I miss my brother more than I can explain, but he went happy and with no pain. I’m going to miss his big blue eyes and that bigger-than-life smile. He was loved by more than he ever realized. That message (of being loved) I receive daily from the outpouring from people. He was amazing and went through life without complaint.

Oh, and he looooved Jesus, family life, and cigarettes.

-Roy “Gilby” Folsom