Robert Folker

Robert Dean Folker Sr, 84, of Orlando, Florida, passed away on June 14, 2021, in Bowling Green, KY. Cremation was chosen and arrangements made at Cone Funeral Home (1510 Campbell Lane). Robert Folker was born in Orlando, Florida to the late Jesse James Folker and Erie Boatright Folker on August 14, 1936. Robert Folker, Sr was the owner/ operator of Grandpa’s Bar-B-que and Catering and the previous Aunt Becky’s Farm. Robert served his country in the Army with the 101st Airborne from 1954 to 1956 during the Korean War. After the Army he went into the food service industry. He married the late Rebecca Collins in 1964 in Orlando and had 6 children. Robert perfected his culinary skills at the World-Famous Disney World Resort as the chef for the Top of the World restaurant where he had the privilege to cook for then Vice President Nixon. Robert then went on to open his own restaurant Hickory Hut, after the sale of the Hickory Hut he continued to cook for famous Florida restaurants Marcos and Aunt Catfish. Robert moved to Bowling Green in 1977 but never left his Florida roots. Though he supported all Florida teams, he was an avid Miami Dolphins and Florida Gator fan. Robert did take on the love of the Kentucky Derby and enjoyed picking winning horses. He was baptized into Christ in 1982. Robert Folker was preceded in death by his brothers: Hoyt, Jesse, Ronnie, Don and sisters Edie, Doris, and Patsy. Robert Folker is survived by his children, Ret. Lt. Col. Robert Folker, Jr (Teri), Michael Folker (Amy), Melanie Anne Clingenpeel (Stephen), Patrick Folker (Crystal), Stephanie Lindsey (Chris), and Matthew Folker (Ashleigh). , two brothers Billy Folker and Woody Folker. “Grandpa” had 15 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, and nephews known to them as “Uncle Bobby”. Memorials may be given to the Alvaton Volunteer Fire Department. You may post your condolences on the tribute wall of this page, or on our Facebook page at www. facebook. com/conefuneralhome Please note the memorial tree links do not connect to a local arborist in Bowling Green, KY. If you wish to plant a memorial tree locally you may contact the Lost River Cave (270-393-0077 – Katie Cielinski) or the City of Bowling Green Parks and Recreation department at www. bgky. org/bgpr/cemeteries/memorial-tree or the Warren County Parks and Recreation department.