Donald "Pinky" Edwin Folsom

Donald “Pinky” Edwin Folsom, the second hire at the Livonia Fire Department and founding member of the city’s Rosedale Presbyterian Church, passed away among loved ones at his home on May 11, 2023.  The cause was congestive heart failure.

Born March 10th, 1923 in Bad Axe, Michigan, Donald was the second son of Jason B. and Esther Folsom, née Collon.  He played football and baseball at Plymouth High School until his graduation in 1942.  As an adult, he also played semi-pro football.

Donald served in the 2nd Marine Division in the Pacific Theater of World War II and was part of the occupying force in Nagasaki, Japan after the war. He earned four battle stars during his service from 1942 to 1946.

Back home in Livonia, he joined the city’s newly formed fire department, retiring 27 years later as a Battalion Chief.

In 1952, Donald married Lois Phillips at the altar of Rosedale Presbyterian Church. They were married for 62 years, until her death in 2014 at age 86.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert (Bob), his brother David, and his sister Barbara.

He is survived by his daughter Diane of Oregon, Ohio; his son Donald and his wife Susan, née Miller, of East Jordan, Michigan; and his son Richard and wife Sheila, née Debolski, and his granddaughter Rebecca, and grandson Patrick.

A memorial service will be held June 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m., at the Rosedale Presbyterian Church, 9601 Hubbard Street, Livonia, Michigan.