Dr. Donald W. Falknor

A Life of Service, Compassion, and Healing

Dr. Donald W. Falknor, a devoted husband, father, and healer to so many, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. His life was a testament to the power of compassion, as he dedicated himself tirelessly to the care and well-being of others. Through decades of service, Dr. Falknor touched countless lives-not only with his medical expertise, but with his unwavering kindness, wisdom, and grace. He played many roles in life, but his greatest role was a devoted husband and father. Donald and Nelda, his wife, built a lifelong partnership rooted in love and respect, a bond that grew stronger as they worked side by side - a beautiful journey that began as teenagers. He also took immense pride in his two children, instilling in them a deep value of compassion, kindness and caring for others. Today, the family carries forward his legacy, living out the lessons he taught through both his words and his examples.

Don was born and raised in Houston, April 20th, 1950, to James and Kathryn Falknor. He attended Mount Carmel High School where he met his loving and devoted wife, Nelda. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Houston and graduated from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1977. He started private practice following residency and strived for excellence in medical and surgical care for his patients with heartfelt compassion.

In the 1980's, Dr. Falknor’s career was guided in a new and pivotal direction when he met Mr. Wilson Turner, an Administrator of Memorial Healthcare System. Mr. Turner recognized Don's talent and character and took him under his wing-mentoring, advocating, and helping him become the first podiatrist approved on staff at Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital. Mr. Turner not only opened doors for Don professionally, but also taught him how to navigate the complex healthcare system with confidence and clarity. Their bond went beyond mentorship; they remained close friends until Mr. Turner's passing.

Dr. Falknor was an inspiration and mentor to all. He was on staff at Memorial Hermann Southwest from 1986-2022. He served as the Medical Director of the wound care center, Past President of the Texas State Board of Podiatric Medical Examiners, Residency Director, and President of the Texas Podiatric Medical Foundation (TPMF) and mission over 14 years. His dedication and ethics were unsurpassable.

Throughout Dr. Falknor's career, he was dedicated to advancing the profession of podiatry. He led by example, always holding himself to the highest standards of integrity, dedication, and continuous improvement. His colleagues admired him, his patients trusted him, and his family and friends cherished him.

Don's legacy lives on in every life he touched, in every heart where he brought back hope, and in the love he gave so openly. He will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him. He is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Nelda, along with son Jason Falknor and wife Kristen, daughter Jessica Longoria and husband Philip, grandchildren, Bayne, Pierce, Kennedy, Alessandra, Liam and Wyatt. Preceded in death by his parents and brother, Melvin Falknor.

A visitation will be held at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home, located at 12555 South Kirkwood Road, Stafford, Texas, 77477, on July 16, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The funeral Mass will take place at St. Laurence Catholic Church, located at 3100 Sweetwater Blvd, Sugar Land, Texas, 77479, on July 17, 2025, starting at 10:00 am.

The Rite of Committal will follow, via funeral procession to Morton Cemetery in Richmond.

Those serving as pallbearers during Thursday’s service are Bayne Falknor, Pierce Longoria, Todd Archer, Creighton Burnett, Billy Gracia, Dennis Cain, Bill Garcia and Jim Kutchback.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Texas Podiatric Medical Foundation Mexico Mission in honor of Dr. Don Falknor.

201 Stillwater, Ste 8, Wimberley, TX 78676

Details at: https://txpmf.org/

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