Charter 1: Casanova

Lester Lilbern Falloon, age 94, died of natural causes at home in Colfax, California on Sunday, August 3, 2008.

Lester was born September 28, 1913 in the Township of Boone, Missouri to the late William and Anna Falloon of Sullivan, Missouri. Like his many siblings (12 children in all), he began helping with the endless chores on the family farm shortly after he could walk. He attended Crawford County Public School and graduated in 1929.

After completing his public school education, Lester worked as a farmer and trapper in Missouri before heading west to Colorado, and eventually California, to meet up with some of his older brothers and pursue the many adventures that the "Wild West" had to offer. While working in California, he knew that something was missing and returned to Missouri to reconnect with the love of his life, Ella Marie Farris. Lester and Marie were married on June 5, 1937 in Bourbon, Missouri.
After he and Marie were married, Lester resumed his work on the family farm and began attending night school to become a certified welder. On April 23, 1939, Marie gave birth to their only child, Lawney Joe Falloon. Denied active duty due to a previous injury (the result of a mule kick), Lester contributed to the Country's efforts in World War II by working in an ammunition factory in St. Louis, and earned extra money as a certified auctioneer. In 1947, Lester moved the family west to California, but not before winning the Golden Gloves Boxing Championship in the State of Missouri.
Once back in California, Lester worked for the Forestry Service before achieving his Journeyman status in multiple trades as a Plumber and Pipefitter, Boilermaker and Ironworker. Lester was an expert welder and worked on many of the bridges, dams and industrial centers that we see throughout the state today. He finished his career as a member of the California Ironworkers Local #118, where he worked for 19 years prior to his retirement in 1979.

Lester and Marie made their home together in Citrus Heights, Calif. for almost 40 years. They were married for nearly 64 years and, in their final time together on this earth, Lester dedicated himself to caring for Marie in an awesome display of love and commitment... up to the time of her passing in 2001. In 2002, Lester moved to Grass Valley to spend his final years with his son, "Joe" …and, of course, launch a new set of friendships.

Lester was an incredibly engaging man with a gregarious nature; his passion for life was evident to all who met him. He thrived on the "center stage" and was, throughout his life, an active member of many associations and brotherhoods, including: the Sacramento Horse- men's Association; the BPO Elks of the USA; the Fraternal Order of Eagles; the Free & Accepted Masons of California - Washington Lodge #20; the Loyal Order of Moose - Auburn Lodge #2264; and at age 89, he was made an Honorary Member of the Boozefighters Motorcycle Club - Chapter 6 … where he was affectionately (and appropriately) given the nickname "Casanova".

Lester loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing, boxing, dancing, telling jokes … and in general, having fun. Most of all, he loved his family and his many friends. He was a proud and loving father, and an amazing grandfather and great-grandfather, who put his loved ones above all else. He is survived by his son and his fiancée, Lawney Joe Falloon, Sr. of Grass Valley, Calif., and Toni Clines of Colfax, Calif.; two grandsons and their wives, Lawney J. (Jr.) and Christina Falloon of Solvang, Calif., and Lester W. and Nicole Falloon of Wilton, Calif.; two granddaughters, Loree Marie Freeman of Elk Grove, Calif., and Teresa Michaelle Emmans of Antelope, Calif.; and six great- grandchildren, Krysta, Chad and Brynn Falloon of Solvang, Calif., Travis and Nathan Freeman of Elk Grove, Calif., and Brandon Emmans of Antelope, Calif. He is further survived by his nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. In addition to his parents, Lester was preceded in death by his loving wife, Ella Marie; his brothers Clarence, Theodore, Eugene, Arthur, Angus, Woodrow and William; and his sisters, Opal, Jewel, Pearl and Garnet.

Funeral services for Lester L. Falloon were held at 3 p.m., Friday, August 8, 2008 at Lassila Funeral Chapel, 551 Grass Valley Highway, Auburn, CA 95603. Immediately following the funeral services, a Celebration of Lester's Life will be held at the Dew Drop Inn, 19729 Cerrito Rd., Grass Valley, CA 95949.

Whether we knew him as "Lester", "Lilbern", "Dad", "Grandpa", "Great-Grandpa" or "Casanova" … all of us who love him so very much would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Toni Clines and her children, Rachell, Crystal, Ronnie, Yvonne, Samantha and Keith. It was through their undying care and affection in his final months, that we were blessed to have him with us as long as we did.

Published in the Gold Country Media Newspapers on 8/7/2008

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