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Tom Faulkner Jr., 81, of Goodyear, Ariz., formerly of Lexington, passed away peacefully on Nov. 22, 2023, at Hospice Sherman Home in Phoenix, Ariz., due to vascular complications.
Born on March 30, 1942, to Tom Sr. and Lelia Mae “Bimmie” Faulkner, Tom was the oldest of seven siblings, five of whom survived him: Donna “Dotsey” Paxton, Robert, Edward, Nena Woody, and Penni McMichael, and the seventh of whom, Elizabeth “Lilly” Hawkins, has been awaiting him in heaven. He was also survived by several brothers and sisters-in-law, many loving nieces, nephews, greatnieces, great-nephews and even a great-great-niece or two.
A proud graduate of Natural Bridge High School, Tom excelled in math and later studied at the Virginia Military Institute, earning a B.S in civil engineering, and being inducted into the Kappa Alpha Order. He went on to receive an M.S. in civil engineering from West Virginia University. He also served his country honorably, attaining the rank of first lieutenant in the United States Army.
His love for math guided his career as a civil engineer, and later a professor of civil engineering at multiple universities and as a math tutor in his home for students of all levels. Tom’s kindness, warmth and curiosity were cherished by all who knew him.
Tom met his first wife, Carol (Thompson), at high school and was married after graduating from college. They had three children: Nathaniel “Lee,” Dawn, and Brent, and sons- and daughters-in-law Jennifer (Elias) Faulkner, Brian McNamara and Joanne (Berry) Faulkner. He was a loving grandfather to Jack, Nate, Cabell, and Carrington.
He and Carol were married for 36 years until her passing in 2000. Tom’s tireless efforts to care for Carol during her 11-year battle with multiple sclerosis showed the depths of his love and commitment to his marriage and family.
After Carol’s passing, he found love again in 2003, marrying his second wife, Diane (Sawyer). His marriage to Diane gained him a stepdaughter, Krista Colonna, and granddaughter, Maya Miller. They lived together in Goodyear, Arizona, where he continued his career as a school teacher and professional tutor until his retirement.
Tom’s life was marked by service to others, a lesson he passed on to those around him. He loved spending time with his family, playing golf, and attending sporting events. His faith was nurtured at Glasgow Presbyterian Church.
A funeral service will be held at Harrison Funeral Home this Friday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m., with a burial service to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix, AZ.
Tom’s legacy of love, understanding, and empathy will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He will be deeply missed.
Local arrangements are by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory. N-G
