The world said goodbye to a most gentle, kind and patient soul last week.
Darrell Keith Falen, 82, of Lawrence, passed away peacefully at his home on October 6, 2015, after a struggle with cancer.
Darrell was born September 5, 1933, in Stafford, Kansas, the son of Raymond Falen and Mary Fern (Salmon) Falen. He attended school in Stafford, and after receiving a music scholarship he graduated from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas in 1955. While at Southwestern he lettered in both football and basketball. Upon graduation Darrell joined the United States Navy, attending Officer Candidate School, and became a Naval Aviator. He served in active duty for four years, and in the Navy Reserve for six years. He married Carol Ann Detter of Winfield, Kansas on June 23, 1956.
Following active Navy service, Darrell taught math at Central Junior High School in Lawrence in 1959. In 1960 he continued teaching at West Junior High School and was the head basketball coach and a football assistant for four years. In 1964 he moved to Lawrence High School, where he was an assistant in both sports. He was the Lions’ head basketball coach from 1968-1973. In 1974 he was named Lawrence’s director of athletics business affairs under AD Al Woolard, and in ‘77 became Athletic Director. Under Darrell’s directorship, the Lions started a full-scale girls‘ athletics program, as well as boys’ sports of soccer and baseball. During that time LHS won 52 state championships. In addition to teaching and his contributions to Lawrence High athletics, Darrell spent years in administration and was a division principal at the time of his retirement.
Darrell’s retirement years were full of travel with Carol, time spent with family and friends, playing golf, and watching lots of sports on TV.
Darrell is survived by his wife Carol, his son Steven Craig Falen of Missoula, Montana and his daughter Diana Lynn Vincent of Leesburg, Virginia. Steve’s family includes wife Susan Ash and son Zachary. Diana’s family includes husband Jeff Vincent, and sons Cooper and Tanner of Leesburg, Virginia. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Doris Falen.
A celebration of Darrell’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 12, at Plymouth Congregational Church in Lawrence with the Reverend Dr. Peter A. Luckey officiating. A reception will follow in the Mayflower Room, at the church.
A private family inurnment service will follow at 1:30 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery. Donations in Darrell’s name may be made to the Darrell Falen Memorial Athletics Fund at Lawrence High School, Plymouth Congregational Church, and Douglas County Visiting Nurses Association. Online condolences may be sent at rumsey-yost.com.
Mrs. Falen, Diana and Steve,
My heart is so heavy to hear of Mr. Falen’s passing. I can’t tell you all the warm and cherished memories I have involving your family. After moving to Lawrence my 8th grade year and becoming friends with Diana, I spent many fun times at your home. I was always welcomed. I so appreciated Mr. Falen’s gentle and sincere nature. He took a genuine interest in kids and I remember all the LHS volleyball, basketball and softball games he attended while I was playing and the support he gave to the girls athletic programs. It enriched my life and I am so grateful. He was a wonderful person and will be missed.
Mr. Falen was my eight grade math teacher at West Junior High. He was very patient allowing a shy 13 year old to ask questions without fear. He was a favorite and I have always remembered him fondly. Thank you Mr. Falen.
My condolences to the family.
Linda Gragg
Mr. Falen was one of my math teachers at Lawrence High School. He was just a great teacher. I found math a challenge and would stay after school often to get his help. I figured he probably had somewhere else to be, but he never made me feel unwelcomed. He was very patient. He had such a gentle calm spirit. I was fortunate to have him as a teacher. I am sure his greatly missed by his family and friends.
Mrs. Falen, Diana, Steve, and extended family members, we send you warm wishes and thoughts from Virginia. We are so glad we have the opportunity to know your family. It was such a pleasure to spend time with you and Mr. Falen on your visits to see Diana. Thank you for including us in your family gatherings. May your memories bring you much comfort.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Carol and family. We were blessed to know Darrell as a Leesburg grandpa who always had joy in his heart whether watching his grandson’s sports, hanging out at a party, or just passing a neighbor on the street. We love you Di, Jeff and boys and are lifting you in prayer!
I was in Mr. Falen’s 8th grade class and again at LHS. He was my favorite teacher and influenced my decision to become a math teacher – a wonderful man – we were all richer for being under his influence.
Mr. Falen was one of my football coaches and teacher. He was a real gentleman, great person and cared about all of his students/players. He has left a classy legacy and will be remembered and loved by all of us lucky enough to have known him.
Prayers and peace to all of the family.
Dave McReynolds
LHS ’66
Carol,
I have fond memories of Coach Falen and yourself as my neighbor, customer on my paper route, and him as teacher at West Junior High and LHS. My brother Phil Paden and cousin Gary Cooper also admired him as a teacher. May God be with you through this time of separation.
Dear Carol,
My thoughts and prayers for you and your family. I have many fond memories of the time I spent working for and with Darrell. Simply stated, he was a great person. So sorry for your loss. Love, Don
Mr. Falen was my Biology teacher at LHS. Very inspiring, knew his stuff, great sense of humor. He is one of the teachers who made an impact on my life. He will indeed be missed, but still in the hearts of many.
Carol and family,
I am so sad to learn of Darrell’s passing. He was a good friend, colleague, and role model. I so enjoyed coaching with him in the early 70’s and teaching with him in the math department. We are all so fortunate to have known him. My sympathy and blessings.
Bill Harrington
Mr. Falen taught us “new Math” in 8th grade. So sorry to hear of his illness and death.
Candy Teagarden
My basketball coach in junior high, and one of football coaches in high school, and a favorite teacher and guy. Condolences to family.
RIP
ken wertzberger
Carol,
We are at a loss of words over Darrell’s passing. Terry so enjoyed working with him on the HOA board & is very saddened over this.
Our prayers are with you & your family.
Kathy & Terry Marshall
Dear Carol,
Whenever I get an email from Stan I dread the news that will be there. When Stan’s email was titled “Darrell Falen” I was so depressed. I’m so very sorry to hear about his passing. I’ll always remember that smile, his calmness and steady hand, and fairness when he was an administrator at LHS.
He was such a wonderful family man- I always admired the togetherness you both shared- and I know how hard it will be for him not to be at your side. I didn’t know he was suffering from cancer. I know from experience how horrible it is to see a love one suffer.
I don’t know if I will be able to attned his celebration of life due to the fact that I am a care giver for my grandson. He will be in my prayers-as you and the family will be.
Pat Nemchock