Buck Falkner

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Jefferson Dowell "Buck" Falkner (born February 25, 1921; died April 24, 2015) was a department store owner and former Mayor of Columbiana.

Falkner was the son of Curtis Jefferson Falkner and Bama Baldwin. The family moved to Columbiana in 1923 when he was 2. That same year his grandfather, James Jefferson Falkner, was elected Shelby County Sheriff and served until 1927 when Curtis Falkner succeeded him.

Falkner graduated from Shelby County High School in 1938. It was there that he met his future wife, Lorene Juzan. The two were married on December 24, 1941. Falkner was later drafted into the Army Air Force during World War II and became an airplane mechanic. He served as crew chief for mechanics repairing B-24, 25, and 26's in England from 1943 to 1945. He left with the rank of sergeant.

Falkner returned to Shelby County and became head of the Shelby County Farmer to Market Road Program, which built roads all over the county. He later served eight years as treasurer of the Alabama Natural Gas Association. Falkner and his wife then opened the Eagle Department Store on Main Street in Columbiana. They also had two sons, Jefferson Dowell Falkner Jr, and Terry Falkner. In his later years, he became involved in real estate.

Falkner served as a member of the Columbia City Council for 20 years, then as city superintendent for five years. He was elected mayor in 1980 and 1984.

Lorene Falkner died in 2008 after 67 years of marriage. Buck Falker served as Grand Marshal for the Liberty Day Celebration and, in 2010, was the Grand Marshal in the Columbiana Christmas Parade. He was also a member of First Baptist Church of Columbiana.

Falkner died in 2015 at 94 and was survived by his son, Terry, his daughter-in-law, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a niece, two nephews, and other family. He was buried at Pinelawn Gardens.

References

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