In his words, Donald H. Falkingham, age 93, transitioned to his new address on January 17, 2012. His most treasured accomplishments were his service to his country as a World War II Pilot and his career in the petroleum industry. Captain Falkingham flew forty-five combat missions. He earned The Distinguished Flying Cross for his courage and superior flying ability. After leaving military service, Donald returned to his career at Amoco. As General Manager, Amoco International Petroleum Company, he was responsible for all oil recovery and production processes worldwide outside the United States. After retiring in 1978, he continued his career as a consultant to the petroleum industry. In 1994, he was hired by McDermott International to open their new office in Romania.
Donald’s life motto was to “Be Happy and Make Other People Happy.” His friends, family, and extended family are testament to his lifelong commitment to fulfill his goal. He and his first wife, Mary Margaret Chalmers Dewitt, enjoyed a union of more than forty-six years. He adopted her two daughters Deanna Beth and Janis Kay, whom he raised as his very own. He married Joella Daily Hall in Marbella, Spain in 1998. Donald became a beloved stepfather and friend to Joella’s adult children, Fred Daily, Debby Daily, Timothy Daily, and their families. Each day they created special memories with their blended, extended family.
Donald is also survived by a brother Robert, sister Mary, five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In October 2011, Robert accompanied Donald on the Honor Flight, which acknowledged World War II Veterans’ with a visit to the new memorial in Washington, D.C. During his last days in South Pasadena, Florida he thanked his friends and family for celebrating a joyous and fulfilling life with him.
Funeral Arrangements: Graveside services are scheduled on January 25, 2012 at 10am from Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma. For service questions, please contact Veterans Funeral Care at 800/467-7850, or Stanleys Funeral Service in Tulsa at 918/743-6271.
In lieu of flowers, Donald requested donations to Suncoast Hospice in St. Petersburg, Florida and The Community Church of Sebastopol, Sebastopol, California
