Weldon K. Faulk, Sr.

WELDON K. FAULK SR., 92, joyfully entered heaven's gate Friday, March 2nd. He was born November 25, 1925 in Center Hill, Arkansas. He graduated from UCA with a Bachelors in Education in 1953, received a Masters in Education from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1958 and earned a Diploma of Advanced Study in 1961. He was employed by the Little Rock School District for 31 years in a variety of roles: a mathematics teacher, athletic coach and principal of multiple schools. He retired as principal of Hall High School in June, 1984. Teaching was his favorite role because "the classroom was where you had the greatest impact on your students". Weldon was no stranger to hard work. He and his siblings were raised on a farm, and daily chores were part of life. He truly milked the cows before school and rode a horse to get there! On June 20, 1944 shortly after high school graduation, Weldon was drafted into the army during WWII. He vividly recalled his father, a WWI veteran, taking him to the legion hut at 5am to bid his farewell. Weldon said, "My father had no idea if he would see me again or where I was headed; he understood the risks as a veteran himself." Weldon served eight weeks in Basic Training at Fort McClellan, AL then was assigned to the cadre. He quickly rose to the rank of Tech Sergeant training troops for WWII. He instructed thousands of young men at military bases across the United States. He was discharged from active duty in January, 1949 but rejoined as an officer in the Army Reserve in March, 1949. He honorably served our country in various capacities earning two Meritorious Medals of Honor: one as the Commanding Officer of the 431st Civil Affairs unit and the second for his 31 years of military service. He gained the respect of many including General William C. Westmoreland. He retired in 1975 as a Lt. Colonel. He was immensely proud to serve his country and never took freedom for granted. He married the love of his life, Virginia Cassinelli, in 1956. They were blessed with nearly 59 years of marriage, two children and a simple, good life. Their strong Catholic faith was at the heart of their devotion to one another. Weldon enjoyed providing for his family in many ways. He could build anything! One of his proudest accomplishments was building a weekend home on Lake Conway, by himself, using scrap materials and his creative ingenuity. After retirement, he put his carpentry and administrative skills to work helping at his son and daughter-in-law's veterinary clinic in NLR for 25 years. His most difficult role was caring for his wife during her final years of cancer. When she died in 2015, a part of him did as well. Weldon's life is best summarized by one of service. He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Cassinelli Faulk; parents, Otho Lee Faulk and Gertrude McKinney Faulk; brothers, Lloyd and Ferrell Faulk, and sister, LaNelle Faulk Arnold. He is survived by one sister, Othema McConnell, Garland, TX and brother, Dennis Faulk(Emily), Hot Springs Village; a son, Weldon K. Faulk, Jr., DVM(Lisa), North Little Rock; daughter, Mary Faulk Coleman(Don), Little Rock; four grandchildren: Kristin Faulk Mitchell, MD(Heath), North Little Rock, David Faulk, Little Rock, Cathryn Coleman, MD, Dallas, TX, John Coleman, Little Rock; and two great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, March 8th from 5pm to 7pm at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home with a Rosary service beginning at 6pm. Mass of Christian Burial with full military honors will be Friday, March 9th at 11am at Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church with Rev. Thomas Marks officiating. Internment will immediately follow at Holy Souls Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, Chenal Parkway, Little Rock. Online obituary and guest register at www.rollerchenalfuneralhomes.com/chenal.