Lt. Col (ret) Francis D. Faulconer

June 16, 1923 - October 19, 2023

Lexington , Kentucky - Lt. Col (ret) Francis D. Faulconer, a native of Lexington. The son of the late Bailey and Nancy Faulconer and brother to late Jane Ellen (Marcum) Faulconer and Major General James Bailey Faulconer. In the early years of his life he attended Picadome Elementary and Picadome Senior High School; after graduation at Lafayette High School in 1941 he enlisted in the United States Army (in 1943) and took basic training at Camp Crowder, Missouri, a signal training facility. But overseas in Europe in 1944 Faulconer was transferred to the Liaison G3 Section of the First United States Army. In this capacity he travelled with Combat Command "A" of the 3rd Armored "Spearhead Division" from Meaux, France to Rottgen, Germany. Service in the European Theater of Operation earned him five bronze stars for his service in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe and the Ardennes. He additionally was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for helping to escort the reserve elements of the Combat Command at night, from the rear to the forward elements of the battle line. Faulconer's Army life did not end at the close of World War II. In 1950 he joined the Officers' Reserve Corps and remained in that capacity as the Plans and Training officer of the 2085th USAR school. He retired from the Army Reserve in 1974 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In 1946 Faulconer enrolled at the University of Kentucky under the GI Bill. There, as a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, he earned a scholarship in Oratory. While pursuing a career in radio broadcasting at the University, he auditioned for and got a part-time job at radio station WKLX. From here he became the station's official announcer to broadcast the Big Bands from 1948 -49, from Joyland Dance Casino. In 1950, Faulconer took a full-time job with radio station WLAP serving almost seven years as a morning D.J. and also commercial announcer for the Ashland Oil Sports Network, and also "The Statewide Romance of Kentucky Quiz Show". Because of WLAP's sale, he was transferred in 1957 to Lexington's second television station, WKYT Channel 27 and was to become the station's first weather man. He remained in that post until 1969 and joined what is now Channel 36 and stayed there until 1986. During his tenure at Channel 27 and Channel 36 he received various awards both nationally and locally for his unique approach to weather-casting. In 1987, Faulconer became radio station WKQQ's first weather man, broadcasting from the "House of Weather" on Greenbriar Road, when he became known as "Fearless Frank Faulconer", and known for his "Fearless Frank's Five Day Forecasts". He retired from the station after 14 years of service, working with Kruser and Company during the Bob & Tom show. He retired from radio broadcasting in 2001 after Sept 11. Most of his work in the later years was devoted to freelance announcing for in- and out-of-state clients. In recognition of Faulconer's long broadcast career spanning 50 years, then Mayor Pam Miller issued a Proclamation, citing his years of public service and also as one of Lexington's outstanding meteorologists. In 2016, on his 93rd birthday, Mayor Jim Gray declared June 16th Frank Faulconer Day in Lexington, honoring his years of service on radio, on TV, and as a World War II veteran. He died peacefully in his sleep in the morning of Thursday, Oct 19. He is survived by nieces and nephews Barbara Faulconer, Donna Barr, Jimmy Faulconer, Gaile Blair, and Allison Faulconer, 8 great nieces and nephews, and 7 great-great nieces and nephews. A memorial gathering will be from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, Wednesday, November 1st at Milward - Man O' War located at 1509 Trent Blvd. A celebration of Frank's life will begin at 1:00 pm with Rev. Jim Nichols presiding and military honors will follow. To share a remembrance of Frank or to offer condolences to his family, please sign the tribute portion of the obituary page at milwardfuneral.com.