Paul "Pops" Folzenlogen's Obituary
Rite of Christian burial for Paul Dennis Folzenlogen, 87, of Longview, will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Reverend Daniel P. Dower officiating. Visitation and rosary will be held on Friday, April 17, 5-7 p.m. at the Chapel of Rader Funeral Home.
Paul passed away peacefully on Easter Monday, April 6, 2026, with Jeanie, his loving wife of 65 years, by his side. He was born on January 23, 1939, in Dallas, Texas, to Christine and Michael Folzenlogen.
One of seven children, Paul grew up in a two-bedroom home on Avondale Avenue. He spent his childhood hunting and fishing in Turtle Creek and bringing home ducks and other animals as pets. Raised in a strong Catholic family, Paul received a Catholic education and graduated from Jesuit High School in Dallas in 1956.
Paul’s father passed away when Paul was 12 years old. In order to pay for college, he delivered newspapers from seventh grade through high school, waited tables during college, and worked in the oil fields during summers in college. In lieu of buying a car, he hitch hiked back and forth from Dallas to College Station. Paul graduated from Texas A&M University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and was a member of the Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honor Society.
After graduating, Paul moved to Longview, Texas, to begin his 36-year career with Texas Eastman. Shortly after arriving, he met Jeanette Rose Mikeska and they were married on November 24, 1961, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Paul often said that his greatest accomplishment in life was marrying Jeanie.
Paul and Jeanie had five sons and two daughters. Their children attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, where Paul was an active supporter for many years, including serving on the School Board. Paul and Jeanie were both deeply involved in the school’s annual Wunderfall event. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, served on the boards of Crismon School and Christus Good Shepherd, and was Board Chairman of Christus Good Shepherd.
From 1989 until his retirement in 1996, Paul served as President of Texas Eastman. His leadership left a lasting impression, and to this day, his children and grandchildren continue to meet people who share stories of working with him. During his tenure, Paul also contributed his leadership to several statewide organizations, serving on the Texas Chemical Council Board (including as Chairman), Quality Texas (started with Governor Ann Richards), and the Texas Business and Education Coalition.
Paul’s childhood days fishing at Turtle Creek sparked a lifelong passion. “Pops,” as he was lovingly known, taught all of his grandchildren how to fish. Whether playing with them in the driveway on Coleman Drive, traveling to Disney or the beach, or simply spending time at home, Pops cherished every moment with his grandchildren, who adored him in return.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Jeanie; his children, Chris Folzenlogen, Michelle Folzenlogen Osburg and Robert Folzenlogen (wife, Jennifer); five grandchildren, Dennis Davis (wife, Haley); Tristan Berlin, Emma Osburg, Josephine Folzenlogen, and Jonathan Folzenlogen; and one great-grandchild, Drew Ellis Davis.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; six siblings; two infant sons; son, Jonathan; and daughter, Denise.
The Folzenlogen family is incredibly grateful for the wonderful care Paul received from his caregivers at Buckner during the last year of his life.
Memorials may be sent to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 2108 Ridgewood Drive, Longview, Texas, 75605, and Junior League of Longview Sustainer Scholarship, P.O. Box 866, Longview, Texas, 75606.
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