Richard Floyd Faling

Richard Floyd Faling laid down for a nap at his home in Kelso, Wash., and woke up in the arms of his Savior, Jesus, on Jan. 13, 2009. He was 75.

“Dick” was born Dec. 15, 1933, in Tamarack, a west-central Idaho logging town, to Floyd Floren Faling and Minnie Alice (Matteson) Faling Farrey. He was the oldest of five children, who included brothers Leroy and Jack Faling and sisters Lois Nyberg and Margie Cartwright. The family moved to Kelso in 1939, where, with the exception of a brief World War II-era stay in Bremerton, Wash., they settled permanently. 

Dick graduated from Kelso High School in 1952 and enrolled in the U.S. Air Force, where he enjoyed a 20 year career. He married Ilene Marie Whybark in 1955 and they celebrated 53 years together. Dick and Ilene had three children, daughter Tawana (Grayden) Jones, and sons Rick (Debbie) and Steve Faling, as well as seven grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. 

His military career required him to be stationed throughout the world, providing numerous travel opportunities he enjoyed in Okinawa, Germany, Turkey, Thailand, Taiwan and more. Dick retired in 1972 as an airborne radio operator with the rank of technical sergeant. After retirement, he worked in construction in Moses Lake before returning to Kelso in 1979. 

Dick loved to fish, swim and ferry friends around town. He had a passion to serve others, volunteering for Christian mission trips in Alaska, Haiti, and elsewhere, where he used his mechanical and construction skills. He also logged many hours helping with plumbing, electrical and carpentry work at Kelso First Baptist Church as well as for friends and family.

Dick never knew a stranger. He opened his home to those who needed shelter or a grandpa to love them. He loved to feed the birds and stray cats. He was a wise, intelligent and kind man who thought more of others than himself. He lived by Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:12: “Always treat others as you would like them to treat you.”

Dick is preceded in death by his parents. Viewing is Thursday at Columbia Funeral Home in Longview. A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday at Kelso First Baptist Church, 214 S. Fourth Ave. Memorials may be made to Kelso First Baptist Church or the Cowlitz County Chaplains Fund.

You are invited to please sign the online guest book.