Thomas Wesley "Tom" Falkner

Thomas Wesley “Tom” Falkner, age 94, of Hillsboro passed from this life on Wednesday, January 13, 2021, to meet his Savior Jesus and the love of his life Mary Lou (Kellum) Falkner. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 17, 2021, at Peoria Cemetery with Pastor Misael C. Alvarado officiating. Facial masks and social distancing are required.

Tom was born on March 26, 1926, on a farm near Whitney, Texas to Reese and Duval (Peacock) Falkner. He was united in marriage to Mary Lou (Kellum) Falkner on April the 5th, 1944, enjoying 72 years together before her passing in 2016. He was a hard worker as a manager at Grimes Garage in Hillsboro before enlisting in the Army during WWII, serving at Camp Lee in Virginia. Following Tom’s discharge from the Army, he went to work for Lone Star Gas Company until retiring 45 years later. Tom’s hobby was working after hours on HVAC and refrigeration using the skill he learned in the Army until the age of 88. Tom was a faithful member of The Hillsboro Church of the Nazarene.

Also preceding him in death were his parents; brothers, Ralph and JC Falkner; brother-in-law, Bruce Kellum; and sister-in-law, Joan Kellum.

He is survived by children, Elaine Burbidge (Jerry) and Ronald Falkner (Kim); grandchildren, Misty Odom (Jim), Matthew Falkner (Shannon), and Melissa Mercer (Tyler); great-grandchildren, Darian Odom, Mayson Odom, Levi Falkner, Hank Falkner, Ellie Mercer, Ryan Mercer, and Lila Mercer; sisters, Evelyn Hamrick (Bill) and Frieda McElfresh (Donald); brothers-in-law, Vance Kellum and Billy Jo Kellum; and several nieces and nephews.