Connie Grant Faulkner

Connie Grant Faulkner, of Prue, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at his home at the age of 91 years, seven months and three days. Grant was born on March 8, 1921, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. As a young child Grant grew up in the Hanna Area where he began and completed his education. During the time Grant was growing up he worked at the local movie theater as a motion picture projectionist. Grant later joined the United States Army at the age of 17, on November 27, 1939. He was initially stationed in the Aleutian Islands with the Company B 83 Infantry Training Battalion. Following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Grant was moved to the Pacific Theater. He was later discharged on September 11, 1945. During this time he received the following achievements and medals: Parachute Badge, Expert with the M-1 Rifle and Bayonet, World War II Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with one bronze star. Grant reenlisted with the Army and was wounded during a battle in the Korean War on July 17, 1953, and received the Purple Heart for his actions. After healing and many months of physical rehabilitation, Grant enrolled in jump school at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. He was initially assigned to the 408th Airborne Division. Upon his discharge in 1955, Grant reenlisted and went on to be a Jumpmaster. He was high commended for his by many officers of the school due to his sincere interest, exuberance and personal conduct. He was highly regarded from a Captain as being ìsuccessful in teaching individuals who are awkward and uncoordinated to safely exit an aircraft in flight and return to earth, then he would surely be capable of teaching elephants to fly.î During the time from 1955 to 1961, Grant received the following decorations and medals: Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge with star, Good Conduct Medal with two loops, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and Master Parachutist Badge. During his last stent in the armed forces, Grant was a part of the 3rd Special Forces and completed his duty as Sergeant First Class Connie Grant Faulkner. He was honorably discharged on January 31, 1965. After discharge Grant returned to the Sand Springs area where he later opened a auto repair business which he operated for several years. He was united in marriage to Betty Jo (Hedges) on December 23, 1990, in Texas. They established their home in Prue, Oklahoma where they have continued to live. During their time together they have raised their two grandchildren Jesse and Josh who are very special to them. Grants mainstay in life was to make sure they were taken care of and given everything they needed. Grant was a very opinionated person and always left a memory of himself everywhere he went. Survivors are his wife Betty Jo Faulkner of the home, two children Mark Faulkner, Pamela Blair, three step children Bernadette Wear, David Wear, Mike Wear, two grandchildren Jesse Johnson, Josh Johnson, step grandchildren Christa Wear, Ashley Wear and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and three siblings. Memorial services will be held 11:00 am Monday, October 15, 2012, at the Prue First Baptist Church with Rev. Garry McDevitt officiating. His body was donated to University of Oklahoma Medical Science Department. Services are under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.