Robert "Bob" Jonathan Folsom

Robert "Bob" Jonathan Folsom, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Central, South Carolina, on May 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in the Morgan Park neighborhood of Chicago, Bob was a man of extraordinary range. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Roosevelt University and a master’s degree in conducting from Northwestern University, going on to become a celebrated concert oboist, concert pianist, and conductor of symphony, band, and choir. He studied under Ray Still, principal oboist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and was widely regarded as one of the finest solo oboists and oboe teachers in the Chicagoland area. Among his many artistic achievements, he arranged works by Paul McCartney for symphonic band and classical pieces for orchestra, led an award-winning high school marching band, and collaborated with his wife, Jeanne, on a landmark production of Stravinsky’s Firebird ballet, for which he wrote the arrangement and she choreographed the dance.

After retiring from music, Bob and Jeanne relocated to Clemson, South Carolina. Ever curious, Bob returned to his engineering roots and worked with Clemson University, where he played a pivotal role in launching the Clemson Area Transit (CAT) bus system — a name he is credited with creating. He contributed to route planning, system design, and early management, helping to shape public transportation in the region.

Bob’s lifelong passion was model railroading. From his boyhood bedroom layout to the elaborate HO gauge masterworks of his later years, trains were his art form and his joy. He was an early member of the Central Railway Museum in Central, South Carolina — where he made his home after Jeanne's passing — and served the organization as both treasurer and president. He was instrumental in securing and rebuilding the museum’s location, shaping the direction of its layout and collection, and mentored countless enthusiasts with the same generosity he brought to everything he loved.

He is survived by his two daughters, his son-in-law, and the vibrant community of railroad enthusiasts who were privileged to share his passion and his friendship.

A memorial celebration and luncheon will be held for family and friends on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at 922 Gaines Street, Central, South Carolina, followed by an open house and tour of his model railroad.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Central Railway Model & Historical Association at www.crmha.org.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home & Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons