Leon Faulkner

Leon Faulkner -- March 24, 1929 – May 31, 2024

Leon Faulkner was born March 24, 1929 in Empire, Alabama to Grady and Tezzie Faulkner.  His family moved often, following highway construction because his father owned a gravel company. He told the story that he moved as many as 12 times in one year when he was in elementary school. He spent most of his high school years in Aberdeen, Mississippi where he met his bride Betty Jane Bransford, fellow high school band member.

Leon was Salutatorian of his Senior class and upon learning there was a Valedictorian, he said, “If I’d known that, I would’ve studied.” In addition to receiving his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Mississippi State University, he was in ROTC and received a music scholarship to play the clarinet in the university band. Upon graduation in 1952, he was recruited by Lockheed Aircraft Company in Marietta, Georgia. Lockheed held his position in aircraft design while he completed two years of service in the United States Army. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant and moved his wife and daughter Tena to Germany where he was stationed during the Korean Conflict.

During the 52 years he worked for Lockheed, his team was responsible for modifications and reconditioning of the C-130 Hercules, a cargo plane capable of airdropping troops and cargo behind enemy lines. Between 1963 and 1965 he helped design Lockheed’s C-141 aircraft.

Once a month from 1954 until 1981 he served in the Army Reserves. In addition to being Deputy Chief of Staff Logistic (Fort McPherson, Atlanta GA), he was an instructor in the Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. As Logistics Officer, he coordinated all phases of troop and equipment mobilization for the 81^st ARCOM. For his consistent, exceptional achievements, organizational skills and devotion, “serving in a position of great responsibility,” he received the Meritorious Service Award (1979) and the Legion of Merit Award (1981). Leon retired from the Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel.  

He and Betty loved traveling the USA and Canada in their motor coach (often accompanied by their daughter and granddaughter) and retired to The Great Outdoors in Titusville, Florida where they had a “second family” of friends and neighbors. They were both avid card players and to this day Leon holds the “Dominoes Player of the Century” award! He loved singing in the community church choir and helping others. When he was at home, he could often be found in his shop which was outfitted to put Lowe’s to shame, and he could build or repair absolutely anything. His interests were widely varied as he also enjoyed gardening and canning vegetables he grew. Leon and Betty were best of friends and celebrated their 72^nd wedding anniversary in 2015.

He is preceded in death by his wife and his brother, Gary Faulkner. He is survived by his daughter Tena, granddaughter Ashlee Fulmer (David), and great-grandchildren Lane and Mac.

Graveside service will be on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 11:00 am at Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery in Aberdeen, Mississippi.