Delmar D. Falen, 87, passed away March 11, 2022. He was born on February 22, 1935, to Paul W. and Bessie M. (Mathis) Falen in Dillon, KS, west of Herington, KS. He was welcomed into a family of three girls, and one more sister was born later. Their house was the Dillon Post Office as his Mom was the Postmistress. The Dillon Post Office sign still hangs in their home today.
Delmar grew up in a Braum’s Ice Cream shop (Peter Pan); his Mom managed the store in Herington. He made many 35 cent banana splits, and the money he earned put him through college. He remained a lifelong fan of their ice cream. In fact, Delmar and Shyla had just made a trip to Braum’s to restock his freezer.
During his elementary school years, the family moved to Herington, and Delmar graduated from Herington High in 1953. After graduation, he worked for the Rock Island Railroad for two years in Wichita. His boss, noticing his math skills, suggested he go to college – he was the first in his family to attend college and graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Business.
In 1957, Delmar met the love of his life, Evelyn Pilkington, at an “hour dance” at KU’s Miller Scholarship Hall where she lived. They were married in Parsons, KS, on June 28, 1959 and celebrated 62 years together.
Delmar’s first job after college was with a CPA firm in Dodge City, KS, where they lived for three years. During that time their first daughter, Kyra, was born. After he passed the CPA exam, Delmar and Evelyn searched for a town to open an accounting firm. They settled on Marysville, KS where he practiced for 36 years. Their second daughter, Shyla, was born in Marysville. Delmar loved small town life, and especially enjoyed working with his clients and doing school audits.
Often when their daughters finished the school year, the family headed somewhere on vacation. Delmar would get up earlier than his family, grab a bite to eat, and was ready for “take-off” when Evelyn and the girls woke up. Except for a couple of bus tours, they saw almost every state by car – however, they did fly to Alaska, Hawaii, and Europe.
Delmar was a gardener and beekeeper and was often seen working in the garden in his good suit, not taking time to change clothes after work. He loved growing flowers but could not remember the name of many – he simply called them “flowers”. Friends will recall he celebrated every holiday season by creating and personally sharing his famous bourbon and rum balls.
Delmar was an avid KU sports fan – his family had season basketball and football tickets even when they had to drive 250 miles to see the games. After they moved to Lawrence, KS, in 1998, he enjoyed attending numerous concerts at the Lied Center. Music was a daily occurrence in the Falen household as Evelyn was either playing an instrument or teaching piano most days – he never complained even when he had to listen to beginners.
Delmar was a member of Jayhawk Breakfast Rotary Club where he served as treasurer for several years. He was also a member of First Baptist Church in Lawrence. In his later years, his favorite activity was putting puzzles together. He had just finished a 1000 piece puzzle before his death.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters Pauline Allen, Lois Miller, and Joyce Rush. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn, two daughters, Kyra Shimizu (Richard) of Superior, CO and Shyla Strathman (Max) of Lawrence. Delmar was so pleased that all his grandchildren received college degrees – Kaitlin Shimizu, Amsterdam, Netherlands; Adelyn Moody (Justin), LaMesa, CA; Tamlyn Shimizu (Till Bachmeier), Buenzwangen, Germany; Adam Strathman, Washington, D.C., and Nate Strathman, Waukegan, IL. Also surviving is one sister, Arlene Girton, Moundridge, KS and his sister-in-law, Delores Giauque (Douglas) of Silver Spring, MD.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 1330 Kasold Drive, Lawrence, KS.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to KSDS Assistance Dogs, 120 W. 7th St., Washington, KS 66968 or to Jayhawk Breakfast Rotary Club, P.O. Box 691, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Max and Shyla my deepest sympathy are with you and your family. Your loving memories of your father and the great life he lived will comfort you during this difficult. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Shyla and Max – My heartfelt condolences, I wish you comfort and peace during this difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Delmar was my great uncle and always someone I looked up to. The first person in my family to get a degree, I always admired that about him. Evelyn and Delmar were always the best hosts. I remember quite a few Thanksgivings in Marysville and later, Lawrence. Delmar always shared stories about our Falen family, he always helped me feel connected to those that were no longer with us. I will really miss him and everything he was to our family. Thanks for this, I read the post to my wife and were connected again to our family history.
Uncle Delmar lived a life well lived. A faithful Christian, an honest business man, and devoted family man. I have many great memories of Thanksgiving dinners in Maryville, KS with the Falen crew. I remember one afternoon as a young boy watching him and Evelyn steal a kiss or two in Grandma’s living room . When I asked him why was he kissing a girl – he said why I’m going to marry her – you’ll understand one day. Quite a love story – Uncle Delmar and Aunt Evelyn 60 plus years. He talked very little about himself but always spoke about his two girls and their families and all the music students Evelyn was teaching. He was very proud of them. He kept in touch with our family throughout my years in the Marine Corps. Debby and I send our prayers and love to Aunt Evelyn, cousins Kyra and Shyla and their families. 1 Corinthians 2 : 9
I always loved hearing a good Delmar story when I picked up the kids from piano. He was usually supper for his beloved Evelyn. He was a treasure.
Evelyn and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Debra and I are praying for strength during this difficult time. Delmar was a great man and will be truly missed by many especially me. I first met Delmar 14 years ago when I joined Rotary and after speaking for the first time I knew I had gained a great friend. Each Thursday I would look forward to chatting with Delmar. I enjoyed his many life stories that always made me chuckle as Delmar had a great sense of humor. He had a knack at getting everyone to smile and laugh. I especially enjoyed hearing about he and Evelyn’s travels and favorite spots for entertainment and dining. He loved to talk about his family and especially his grandkids. I had the pleasure to occasional drive Delmar to Rotary and always looked forward to our windshield conversations. I consider myself lucky to have known Delmar as he was such a great friend. We will miss him dearly!
Gain peace and strength knowing that God called him home to heaven! I am sure he his telling stories in heaven and getting lots of love and chuckles!
Wishing you and your family peace and comfort,
Pat and Debra McCandless
Evelyn and Family
We are so heartsick to hear of Delmar’s passing so suddenly.
He was so loyal and loving and I treasure his wry humor and over-the-top commitment to our Roary club.
Our very best to you all in this difficult time.
Love,
Harlanne and Bruce