Robert William Falconer

3/29/1924 – 8/28/2014

Vista, California

America has lost another member of the “Greatest Generation.” Robert William Falconer died peacefully on August 28, 2014 at home surrounded by family. Farm boy, military pilot, aeronautical engineer, community servant, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Bob epitomized those men and women who have made the United States the greatest nation on earth. Bob was born to Lester and Ethel (Caldwell) Falconer at home on the family farm in Macon, Illinois. He passed away at 90 years of age from natural causes.

Bob attended a one-room school house through the 8th grade and often reminisced that he heard all 8 grades of curriculum 8 times. In the first grade he met the love of his life Lois “Boo” Tomlinson. While attending Macon High School he resolved to marry his vivacious classmate. Sports were a big part of his life. He played on the school’s basketball and baseball team and at 16 was asked to play on the area wide men’s softball team, an experience he cherished throughout his life.

In 1942 Bob enrolled at the University of Illinois at Urbana and participated in the ROTC cavalry program. As WW II heated up Bob volunteered for the Army Aviation Cadet Program. He earned his Army Air Corps pilot wings in April 1944. As a P-47 fighter pilot, he was assigned to the 9th Air Force in Europe. There he flew 66 missions in close support of ground troops and bomber escort. Just prior to the Battle of the Bulge, while flying a close air support mission, he was hit by intense ground fire. Critically damaged and flying too low for him to bail out, he bellied his broken Jug into a farmer’s field with a 500 lb. bomb stuck under his wing. In a testament to the mettle of the man, he evaded capture with the help of the Dutch underground and was back flying missions less than a week later.

At the end of the WW II, Bob returned home, married Boo, and returned to the U of I graduating with high honors in Aeronautical Engineering in a mere 2 ½ years. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi National Engineering Honorary Fraternity and Pi Mu Epsilon National Mathematics Honorary Fraternity.

Upon graduation in 1948 Bob began working on propulsion systems for aircraft and missiles. He was with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation from 1948 to 1953 then affiliated with Marquardt Corporation from 1953-1961. Eventually his career focused on the launch and operation of military satellites at Vandenberg Air Force Base in Lompoc, California, where he was base manager for Aerospace Corporation.

Following Bob’s retirement 1989, Bob and Boo relocated to Vista, California, and continued enjoying their passion for golf, travel, family, and friends. In 1994 Bob began volunteering at Tri-City Medical Center where he logged over 10,000 volunteer hours before he had to step down due to medical issues. At the age of 76 he was the first man in the auxiliary’s 42 year history to serve as president.

Bob was the youngest child and only son of his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, older sister Mildred Wells, and an infant sister Helen Pauline Falconer. Married 68 years, Bob is survived by his loving and caring wife Boo. He was also devoted to his daughters Connie Falconer, Carol Thomas (Robert), Christy Haupt (Kevin), grandchildren Lauren, Jeanne, Catherine, Coco, Christian and Connor, and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the excellent caregivers at Tele-Bridge Medical and acknowledge the loving care with dignity provided by JoAnn, Elizabeth, Anallely and Lisa. Additionally we greatly appreciate the outstanding end-of-life care provided by Hospice of North Coast. And, a special thank you to Dr. John LaFata, MD for 25 years of special care as our family doctor.

A true American, a wise and noble spirit, Bob’s word was his bond. Bob epitomized the backbone of our great country. His memory will long be honored.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 11:00 AM at Saint Thomas More Catholic Church located at 1450 South Melrose Drive, Oceanside, California. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Salvation Army or Tri-City Hospital Auxiliary.

Arrangements are under the direction of Eternal Hills Memorial Park, Mortuary, and Crematory, Oceanside, California.