James L. Falkner Sr.

James Lowery Falkner was born July 26, 1929 in Hillsboro, TX to William O. and Alma Zanada (Bledsoe) Falkner and entered his heavenly home on June 7, 2022 in Oklahoma City, OK.
He was the youngest of nine children and only surviving son. They were farmers and he attended schools in Hill County, TX, moving at age 15, with his parents, to Carlsbad, NM where his mom died three years later. This is where he met and married Betty Childers in 1949. Within the next four years their 3 children were born.
They attended Carlsbad First Nazarene and eventually felt led to move to Bethany, OK to further their education at Bethany Nazarene College. He went to work for the college and rose to Plant Manager where he influenced many young men for Christ. His career included Plant Manager at O.C.U. and Moore/Norman Vo-Tech. In 1980, he was hired by Francis Tuttle to oversee the development of both campuses, retiring in 1995.
Because of his love for the city of Bethany, he ran for City Council and spent 22 years serving the citizens and was elected to 3 terms as Mayor beginning in 1983.
In retirement, he and Betty volunteered at the Nazarene campground in Bonita Park, NM. When Betty became ill in 2005, he was her constant caregiver until her passing in 2014. They enjoyed 65 years together. Their marriage produced 12 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren. Their goal in life was to see everyone make it to heaven.
James was preceded in death by his parents, 7 sisters and 1 brother. He is survived by daughter, Katherine (Terry) Hermance; sons, James Jr. (Cathy) and W. Burt (Elizabeth); and by all the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation with the family present will be Sunday, June 12, 6-8pm at Mercer-Adams in Bethany. His service will be Monday, June 13, 10:00am at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene with burial to follow in Bethany Cemetery.