Frank J. Folger

AUGUSTA – Mr. Frank J. Folger, 86, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 3, 2023, at home. He was the loving husband of Alberta C. (Cunningham) Folger with whom he shared 66 years of marriage and took care of for the last six years since her stroke in 2017.

Frank was born May 8, 1937, in Augusta the son of the late Albert and Leona (Damren) Folger. Frank was a lifelong resident of Augusta, living most of his life on the Middle Road. He graduated from Cony High School, class of 1955. He was a former member of the Augusta Elks Lodge for 58 years.

Frank began his career as a firefighter for the Augusta Fire Department. Not much time went by when he realized that harness racing was his passion. He owned, trained and occasionally drove for many years. His favorite horse, Windsor Lady, wasn’t the fastest horse but had the biggest heart. In later years, Frank worked for the State of Maine, Bureau of General Services until his retirement.

After his retirement, he would meet friends for coffee several mornings a week. He drove cars for Charlie’s Motor Mall for several years. He also built sheds and taught his grandson, Stephen, how to build them. He enjoyed working in the woods cutting trees for firewood and in the winter, he liked to plow his neighbors driveways.

Frank treasured his family. Over the years he loved playing cards with his wife, daughter and grandchildren. He played cribbage daily with his daughter and his wife. He enjoyed going to the bowling alley to watch Stephen bowl, sometimes several times a week. One summer he bowled in a league with his family that ended with a lobster picnic. He loved lobster and had no problem eating several.

He and Alberta would take daily drives and later put together jigsaw puzzles. Frank was an avid Red Sox Fan. He enjoyed spending time with his loyal dog companion, Lucky, who he called “Handsome”.

In addition to Frank’s parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Arthur and Leon Folger and his sisters Lorraine (Folger) Cummings and Helen Folger.

In addition to his loving wife, Alberta, Frank is survived by his devoted daughter, Elaine Babb and her husband Mike of Augusta; his cherished grandchildren, Stephen Babb of Augusta, Jennifer (Babb) LaForge and her husband Garret of Sarasota, Fla. and Paul Babb of Augusta; and great-grandchildren Marilyn, James and Corbin Babb; his cherished sister, Mary Choate and nieces Karen Merrow and Mary Goodheart, all of Augusta, who he visited every day for coffee, as well as many more nieces and nephews.

In honoring Frank’s wishes there will be a graveside service at the Reynolds Hill Cemetery, Middle Road, Sidney on Friday, Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited.

Arrangements are in the care of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta where condolences and memories may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the funeral home website by visiting http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com