William Moreland Faloon

Will-Will in his child hood, but better known as Willie or Will Faloon, a true character of humor, love, joy, and mischief, has passed away after 58 years, one last accomplishment amongst many, for someone with Down’s syndrome. He was a great brother, uncle, and son; a rare athlete, an ambassador of happiness, laughter, and fun. He was a great student of human behavior, gut instinct, and the vibe, not to mention the art of one-upmanship. Always ready to lend a helping hand, eat “a big fat juicy hamburger or steak”, sing, dance, and support his beloved Texas sports teams, he was well known as one of the loudest fans at UT football and baseball games; and dressed the part every day in a Texas Longhorn T-shirt. Also well known for his love of women, a constant twinkle in his eye, and calling all the girls “purdy, purdy” and ready with a big hug. Quick to defend himself with the universal, time honored, never failing phrases: “big deal, so what, and I don’t care”, or if you were really asking for it----the dismissive good bye of “see ya later sucker!” or hand gestures that you talk too much. When he had you on the ropes, especially at sports or with a good tease, he’d say “I’ve got your number”. Master of the soul shake, a warm hello, he always made you smile. Whenever he had a good time, you would hear “let’s do it again sometime”. He was a natural, always honest, always touched people’s hearts wherever he went. He never could write his name, read a word, or add two numbers, but he possessed more humanity than many of the wise and accomplished.

Born on Easter Day in Miami, Florida on April 18, a true gift from heaven, he grew up with his parents and older siblings sharing all the fun of a large athletic family in a tropical setting. He attended Sun Dial School in Ft, Lauderdale. Then at age11 he moved with his family to Texas and attended Marbridge Ranch at age 14 for 40 years. He participated in and won numerous medals, many gold, at the Texas Special Olympics in his later years, including swimming, running, basketball, bowling (often breaking 200), and softball (winning the championship game with a grand slam home run in the final at bat). At Marbridge he was a favorite of many staff, worked in the greenhouses, helped with the farm animals, worked in the kitchen, and the laundry. He spent his final years at his mother’s home and at Barton Hills Assisted Living with many caring and fine staff members.

Willie was also a great lover of music and he was a living example of how music can touch your soul. He was friends with some of the Austin music scene, and had a special girl friend musician, Nancy Scott, a regular in our family that Will occasionally shared a sing on stage; he didn’t have a great voice but it wasn’t a shy self-conscious one either. He was always ready to help out and ‘pass the hat’ at the concerts, and insisted that everyone must tip the musicians.

Willie was predeceased by his father Robert Moreland Faloon and is survived by his mother Mary Boyd Faloon, sisters Jeanie Koller-Faloon, Kathyrn Faloon, Trudy Faloon, brother Kelly Faloon, foster brother Richard Woolcock, as well as two nieces and two nephews.