Franklin Falling

Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita, 918-256-5555. Franklin D. Falling, 83 year old resident of Glendale, Arizona, passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at his home. He was born on November 17, 1932 in the Estella District of Craig County, Oklahoma, to Fred Edward and Elvina Mae (Cook) Falling. Franklin attended school and graduated from Centralia High School in 1952, he also took history from the University of Oklahoma, Art classes from Northern Arizona University, and the Washington School of Arts, under the GI Bill. Franklin was baptized at the North Miami Baptist Church in 1953. He served his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955, and was a reservist until March of 1961. He was in Special Forces at Ft. Bliss, Texas, and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. On June 24, 1956, Franklin married the love of his life, Nancy Jane Qualls in Cardin, Oklahoma. He worked for the Santa Fe Railway as a switchman, brakeman and conductor, from 1957 until his retirement in 1994 at age 64. Franklin was a member of the American Legion, BPOE, and served on the Board of Directors for the Paseo Raquette Club in Glendale, AZ for 15 years. He had a great passion for painting. He was also an avid sports enthusiast, playing basketball in high school, he also liked to bowl, play softball and his favorite, playing tennis. Franklin won many trophies playing tennis tournaments through the years. He was also an avid runner and ran many races, including the Fiesta Bow Marathons and won several medals over his lifetime for running. He was dearly loved by his family and was known as Papa by all. This was a name given him by his first granddaughter, Misti. We miss you already Frank, Dad, Papa, God keep you in his care until we meet again. The family includes: his wife Nancy of the home; his children, Michael Edward Falling of New York City, New York, Valerie Renee` Myers of Glendale, Arizona, Stephen Falling of Scottsdale, Arizona; a brother, Don Falling of Helena, Montana; six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; sister in-laws, Geneva and Lucille Falling and brother in-law, Odell Carpenter. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Betty Spence, Imagene Martin, Roena Carpenter, Thelma Allison, Louis Falling, Leroy Falling and George Falling. The visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at the Luginbuel Funeral Home in Vinita from 6-8 PM. The graveside service will be held Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the Timpson Chapel Cemetery, northwest of Vinita. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com. Arrangements are by the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita.

Visitation Details

Tuesday, September 13th, 2016 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita

Service Details

Wednesday, September 14th, 2016 2:00pm, Timpson Chapel Cemetery

Interment Details

Timpson Chapel Cemetery