Obituary of Joe Neil Folk

July 27, 1932 - January 17, 2026

U.S. Veteran

Early in the morning of Saturday, January 17, 2026, Joe Neil Folk, age 93, went to be with the Lord. He was born to Freddie and Lurana Folk on July 27, 1932, at their home in Fairfield, Texas.

Joe received both his Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree from Sam Houston State University in 1953. He then served two years in the United States Army before marrying his beloved bride, Sue Spivey Folk, in 1957. Together they moved to Kirbyville, where Joe worked for the Kirbyville Independent School District for the next 32 years. During his career, he served as an agriculture teacher, high school principal, superintendent, and in several other positions.

While serving as principal, Joe organized the first Veterans Day Program at Kirbyville High School in 1966. With great student involvement, this program has honored the veterans of our community every year since. Joe loved this program and was deeply proud to be part of it. He was able to attend every year except for the last two. Joe loved his students, co-workers, and the Kirbyville community with all his heart. He often shared how greatly God had blessed him by bringing him to Kirbyville.

Joe was actively involved in his church, where he served as a deacon, The Lions Club, The Masonic Lodge and he participated in many other clubs and community activities. He poured his heart into serving others. After retiring from the school system, Joe expanded his service to Jasper County. He served as Sheriff of Jasper County and later served three terms as County Judge.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Freddie, his mother, Lurana and his sister Dorothy. He is survived by his wife, Sue; their three children, Dianne Stukey and husband Larry, Jody Folk, and Melissa Keene. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Jared Stukey and wife Michelle, Joe Stukey and wife Marian, Jace Stukey and wife Amanda, Haley Musgrove and husband Randy, Hannah Cange and husband Colin, Heather Jenkins and husband Colby, Jordan Keene, Justin Keene and wife Sandy, and Jacob Keene and wife Sydni; as well as twenty-one great-grandchildren, with a twenty-second on the way. He is also survived by his sister Freida Pipes.

Joe’s life was a testimony of his faith in Jesus Christ. His servant’s heart reflected the heart of our Savior. His greatest desire was for everyone to have a personal, saving relationship with God.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 5-7 pm at Central Baptist Church in

Kirbyville. Funeral Service will also be at Central Baptist at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. Graveside service will follow at Magnolia Springs Cemetery.

If anyone would like to make a donation in memory of Joe, the family will be setting up a fund for a memorial scholarship. Due to the holiday weekend, they have not been able to set up the account and will release the information as soon as it is available.