Airgas Explosion Victim Loved Life, Dirt Track Racing

September 2, 2016

Funeral services were held Friday for the man killed in a massive explosion Sunday at a Cantonment manufacturing plant.

Jesse Graham Folmar, 32, had been married just three short years to the love of his life, Katie Sullivan Folmer. He is survived by his brother and twin brother, his parents, his mother-in-law and father, and a host of other family and friends.

Family members said he grew up playing baseball, hunting and fishing. His favorite passion of all was racing an an area dirt track in his #38. They said he will be remembered by his humor, quick wit and his love of life.

Folmar was employed at the Airgas plant near Ascend Performance next to the Ascend Performance Materials plant on Old Chemstrand Road in Cantonment. He was working just after noon Sunday when authorities say nitrous oxide tanks in a loading bay exploded. Investigators still don’t know why the explosion occurred.

First responders reported a major explosion with an area of significant structural collapse. The area was described a “mini-war zone”.

As emergency workers, assisted by an Ascend response team, secured the area made sure there was no risk of an additional explosions, it was determined that one Airgas employee, Folmar, was missing. After an extensive search, his body was recovered after 6 p.m.

Reader photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

11 Responses to “Airgas Explosion Victim Loved Life, Dirt Track Racing”

  1. April on September 2nd, 2016 10:01 pm

    To all his family and friends,
    I am very sorry for your loss. May God comfort you all.

  2. Bobby and Judy Martin on September 2nd, 2016 9:53 pm

    This young man came from a family anyone would be proud to know. We knew Jesse and Evan when they would walk around the neighborhood as toddlers with their grandmother Martha Folmer. Just neat kids. Dang good family

    As a lover of WWII history, and in a discussion with their grandfather, Charley Folmer,, I found Jesse’s great-uncle, Jimmy Folmer was a member of what had been the Flying Tigers. He was shot down and killed in a mission over China, flying a Curtiss P-40. Charley and I traded books and information about his brother, Jimmy, WWII, and his association with Paul “Bear” Bryant, when Jimmy played for him at Vanderbilt. Neat autographed photo circa early ’40’s

    Jesse came from good stock, good people, good friends.

  3. Linda Durden on September 2nd, 2016 9:27 pm

    My prayers are with your family, that God will give you peace and comfort during this sad time.

  4. Northof9mi on September 2nd, 2016 7:17 pm

    Sympathy and prayers to this young man’s family. Hopefully, there will be financial assistance(insurance) for his wife and family. There is no mention of children losing
    their father.

  5. Leslie Lanham on September 2nd, 2016 7:03 pm

    My deepest condolences to this young man’s family and friends.

  6. Louise E Marlow on September 2nd, 2016 4:27 pm

    God bless everyone . So very sorry for your loss !

  7. EMD on September 2nd, 2016 11:07 am

    So very sorry. Isaiah 57:1. :’(

  8. sustained. on September 2nd, 2016 8:41 am

    Katie and Folmar Family,

    So sorry for your loss – you will be in my thoughts and prayers.

    Philippians 4:13

  9. mick on September 2nd, 2016 8:27 am

    May the Lord bless you all and give you comfort and ease the pain for the loss of your loved one…

  10. thin blue on September 2nd, 2016 6:19 am

    So sorry for your loss. May God be with you.

  11. Concerned Citizen on September 2nd, 2016 5:56 am

    To the family and friends of Mr. Folmar I am so sorry for your loss .I will continue to pray for you all that God heal your hurting hearts.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News