David Eric Falconer

David was born on September 9th, 1943 in Sonoma, California, the son of Veits and Theta (Sanborn) Falconer.

Dave graduated from Reynolds High School in 1962, then went on to Portland State University, earning a Masters of Science in Teaching with Physical Education as his major in 1976.

Dave joined the Navy and served 3 tours for our country in The Vietnam War. He served from 1965 until he was honorably discharged in 1969. Dave was part of the United States Naval Construction Battalion, also known as the Navy Seabees. The “CB” motto is “We Build, We Fight”. Dave was an electrician and helped build roads, bridges, airfields, and bunkers. David took great pride in his service for our freedom and our country. After being enlisted and finishing his tour, Dave stayed for an additional two and a half years to honor the man who saved his life while giving up his own. Dave looked forward to the day where he could say ‘Thank-you’ to his friend and hero.

Dave married Sue Tucker on February 13th, 1971, in Portland, Oregon. They have been married for 53 years. David and Sue met at a church group when David offered to help Sue in a move. Their love was instant and in less than four months they courted, got engaged, and married. David loved Sue to the moon and back. They have five children, 21 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

‘Coach Falconer’ worked as a Head Football and Head Wrestling coach and was a Mathematics teacher. He spent 40 years in the teaching/coaching workforce. He spent half his time in Oregon Athletics and moved to Texas for the second half of his career.

Dave especially loved running. He held a world-class marathon at 2:58. He loved fishing, hunting and being outdoors. Most of all he loved being around people. Dave was a loyal, generous friend and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need.

Dave was a member of The Assembly of God church where he met Sue shortly after coming home from Vietnam war. They joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 1993 with their five children. They were sealed as a family in the Portland, Oregon temple.

Dave had a memorable sense of humor. He was voted in high school as “The Friendliest”, and it’s easy to understand why. He is well-known among the wrestling community. Several of his athletes have said they became coaches, teachers, and principals because of Dave’s influence on them as youth. He took several athletes that had no prior wrestling experience to National Competitions gaining full-ride scholarships. His students and athletes got to experience a lot of laughter, practical jokes, and gained confidence through Falconer’s inspirational conversations.

Remaining to cherish Dave Falconer’s memory are spouse, Sue Ann Falconer; children, Eric David Falconer, Heather Suzanne Falconer Franks, Holly Annette Falconer Engstrom, Valerie Ann Falconer, and Annette Sue Falconer Campbell; son in laws, Ty Engstrom, Richard Campbell; daughter in law, Megan Falconer; grandchildren, Tess Howard, Susie Falconer, Vivian Falconer, Maura Falconer, Jocelyn Smith, Jalaina Smith, Jeffrey Franks, Nicholas Franks, Robert Franks, Elijah Engstrom, Tyla Engstrom, Tucker Engstrom, Corban Engstrom, Gabriella Engstrom, Timber Engstrom, Todd Falconer, Brynlee Campbell, Clayton Campbell, Avery Campbell, Rylie Campbell and Cody Campbell; great-grandchildren, Amelia Howard, and Eleanor Howard; brother, Floyd Falconer.

Visitation will be held November 26th from 10:00 a.m. -11:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints found on 737 Melissa Road Melissa, Texas 75454. Funeral service will follow from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. in the chapel. Military Honors will be conducted at the Dallas National Cemetery for family members.

Memorial donations and flower arrangements in David Falconer’s memory may be directed to Sparkman Funeral Home at 1029 S. Greenville Ave. Richardson, Texas 75081 by November 25th.