William M. "Bill" Falls

1948 - 2021

William M. "Bill" Falls

Bath - On Tuesday February 23rd, 2021, Dr. William M. Falls "Bill" passed away at the age of 72. Bill was at his home in Bath, MI, surrounded by his loving wife, family and friends during his final days.

Bill was born in Muncie, Indiana, on May 13, 1948, the child of William and Roberta "Tootie" Falls. He was the eldest of their two sons, Richard "Dick" Falls his younger brother was his best friend and they shared a childhood filled with laughter and memories that will forever be cherished.

Bill was a 1966 graduate of Burris Laboratory School, a K-12 school associated with Ball State University. He received a scholarship to attend Hanover College where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1970 and was awarded a graduate assistantship at The Ohio State University. He received a Master of Science Degree in 1973 and received his Ph.D. in Neuroanatomy from Ohio State on June 13, 1975. Bill continued his studies from 1975-1979 with postdoctoral research training at the National Institute of Health, studying in the areas of neurobiology, neurocytology, neuroanatomy, and electron microscopy.

After Bill completed his studies in Washington D.C., he accepted a position at the College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University. Bill was the definition of a true Spartan and making the move to this University was a decision he was proud of. He found a career and place to call home where he could pursue his passion for helping others learn and he succeeded. He worked for the Department of Anatomy as an Assistant Professor from 1979-1984 and as an Associate Professor from 1984-1990. He was a Professor in the Department of Anatomy/Radiology from 1990-2018 as well as the Associate Dean of Student Services for the College of Osteopathic Medicine from 1998-2018 until he retired.

Over his 39 years as a faculty member/Associate Dean of the School of Osteopathic Medicine, his accomplishments did not go unrecognized. Bill was the first recipient of the Golden Apple award in 1988, receiving a total of 12 throughout his career. He was recognized 6 times as a recipient of the Hooding Award, honored 17 times for being the Outstanding Basic Science Faculty Teacher, and in 2018 he was given the prestigious Walter F. Patenge Metal of Public Service. Bill has always kept the students best interest at heart, and it never took long for them to recognize that he was committed to their success. Although he had the reputation as a tough instructor, he earned his student's admiration and inspired all of his students (well over 3,500) with his ideas, teaching, and mentorship.

Bill enjoyed life! In his free time, he loved watching and supporting MSU athletics, playing golf, lake time, traveling, gardening, volunteering his time with Miracle League, and supporting his family members on the side lines (with his wife Cathy) at their volleyball, softball, soccer, tennis, and other sport related activities. He loved being a dog dad to his two pugs Gracie and Jake "Willy" Falls.

Bill is survived by his wife Cathy Falls (Brady) and her children Christy (Mike) Price, Brandy Widner, and Brandon Brady; brother Richard Falls and his children Shelby Lasley and Rachel Falls; son Trever Carson; Grandchildren Ashlee (Zach) Bailey, Caitlyn Wells, Alex Widner, Emily Price, Gabby Price and Zach Price; Great grandchild Lyle Bailey. He was preceded in death by his parents William and Roberta, grandparents Fred and Fern McKenzie, and first wife Jan Falls (mother of Trever).

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Dr. William M. Falls Scholarship Fund where his name will be honored by contributing to the success of future MSU students. Go Green!

https://givingtomsu.edu/gift/?appeal=21MASWB1MAIN Allocation code: AS00461

A memorial service has not been scheduled; however, a celebration of life is being planned.