OWEN FREDRICK FALLS SR., 92, passed away
peacefully at his home on Dec. 2, 2024, with Interment
at Merriman Cemetery near Ranger, TX. His life was
a testament to the values he held dear-faith, family,
and service. He found joy in life's simple pleasures,
from hosting family gatherings & attending school
events to delighting loved ones with his legendary
homemade grapenut ice cream.
He was born in Ranger, TX on Feb. 8, 1932, to Phillip
Thomas & Etta Lou Mainard Falls. Owen grew up on a
farm alongside his six siblings & developed a strong
sense of family and work ethic. After graduating from
Ranger High School in 1949, he served his country as
a U.S. Army corporal during the Korean War. His family
loves to tell the story of Owen meeting his lifelong
love, Patsy Maddux, on a blind date that led to their
marriage in June of 1954.
Owen & Pat's early married life began with the adventures
of traveling from town to town during his railroad career.
In 1968, they put down roots in Mineral Wells when Owen
joined Southwestern Gas Pipeline/Mitchell Energy, where
he retired as regional operations manager. His work ethic
& dedication earned him the respect of colleagues throughout
his career.
Owen & Pat moved to Springtown in 2005, where they became
members of First Baptist Church, & Owen continued his service
as a deacon. He demonstrated a life of Christian service by
helping others. Owen was the go-to person for family and
friends when something needed fixing. From auto and home
repair to fence and barn building, he was the man everyone
could count on.
Owen was preceded in death by his wife, Patsy Ruth; his
parents, Phillip Thomas & Etta Lou Mainard Falls; and
his siblings: Inez Falls Hunt (RHS-1936, June), George
Falls (RHS-1940, Chrystal), Mabel Falls Ramsey (RHS-1938,
V.L. Mutt), Jamie Falls Floyd (RHS-1940, Claude), Frances
Falls Dickinson (RHS-1942, Allen), and Thomas Falls (RHS-
1947, Margie).
He leaves behind a loving family, including his children:
Elaine Murphy (Larry) of Springtown, Shirley Falls of Fort
Worth, Donna Walls (Mike) of Abilene, Owen Falls (Penny)
of Fort Worth; his cherished grandchildren: Laura Deane
(Joe), Brittany Fields (Josh), Austin Murphy (Chelsea),
Blaine Walls (Ashley), Patrick Walls, Jo Beth Walls, Brandy
Esquivel, Tiffany Lacaze, Kailey Falls, Jadon Miles (Annie);
twelve great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews,
all who were blessed by his presence in their lives.
WIFE: PATSY RUTH MADDUX FALLS, 87, passed away on
Sept. 1, 2021 in Springtown, TX, with interment in Merriman
Cemetery near Ranger, TX.
Patsy was born May 7, 1934 in Rochester, TX to Bill Bob Maddux
& Nora Ranspot. She was a graduate of Strawn High School and
had a career as a homemaker. Pat's courtship with Owen Falls
(RHS-1949) began with a blind date and they married in June
of 1954. After relocating several times for Owen's work, they
settled in Mineral Wells in 1969. They remained there for 36
years before moving to Springtown.
Pat loved to read and was in involved in establishing the church
library. She was also an award winning quilter and excellent
seamstress. Pat loved making clothes for her daughters and
granddaughters. She had a strong faith in Jesus and strongly
supported mission efforts around the world. Pat was a Sunday
school teacher and a Girls In Action leader for many years.
She was preceded in death by her father, Bill Bob Maddux &
mother, Nora Ranspot Maddux; sister, Katherine Mitchell;
brothers, Billy, John, David (Bud), James (Jim) and George
Maddux.
Survivors: Husband, Owen Falls, Sr.; daughters, Elaine Murphy
(Larry) of Springtown, Shirley Falls of Fort Worth; Donna Walls
(Mike) of Abilene; son, Owen Falls (Penny) of Keller; Grand-
children, Laura Deane (Joe), Brittany Fields (Josh), Austin
Murphy, Blaine Walls (Ashley), Patrick Walls, Jo Beth Walls,
Brandy Esquivel (Jeremy), Tiffany Lacaze, Kailey Falls, Jadon
Miles; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Tom Maddux; sisters-
in-law, Elaine Maddux and Frances Maddux, and numerous nieces
& nephews. She was loved & will be missed by all who knew her.