Jerome Falls

(From Lakin Funeral Home)

Jerome Clayton Falls, of Granby, Missouri, passed away on a sunny and peaceful Saturday morning, October 5th, 2024, in his ranch house, surrounded by peaceful fields and a family who loved him dearly.

He was born on January 14th, 1945 to Curtis and Mary (Gahura) Falls, in Fresno, California, in the San Joaquin Valley, between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Nevada Mountains, amidst orchards, cotton fields, vineyards, and cattle pastures. Raised in Clovis, He grew to have a deep love of cultivating the land and raising livestock. His father’s family hailed from North Carolina and Arkansas. His mother’s family immigrated through Texas.

Jerome was raised in a home his father built for their family and was blessed to have six older siblings from his parents' previous marriages: June (Ellis), Vernal (Coulthard), and Lloyd Falls, as well as Tony, Bob, and Jerry Prudek. He also has an older brother, Marvin, and a "baby" sister, Lynn (Miller), from his parents' union.

He attended Garfield elementary school, as well as Clovis Elementary, Middle, and High schools, where he was very involved in many activities; most especially, the Future Farmers of America, before graduating in 1962. He went on to graduate from Fresno State University, with a degree in Agronomy Science.

Jerome was married to Janice Cooper, for 38 years. Together they raised six children: Brett Falls, of Missouri, Heather (Kalen Dean) Willard, of Missouri, Garrett Falls, of Missouri, Amy (Eric) Coursey, of Colorado, Brenna (Jeremy) George, of Missouri, and Mariah Falls, of Arizona. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren, his brothers Tony Prudek and Marvin Falls, first cousin Carol Saylor, and many more loving nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.

He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, wry sense of humor, unwavering work ethic, deep patriotism, love for his family, willingness to serve others, and unsurpassed knowledge of cattle.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 10th, from 5-7 pm, at Lakin Funeral Home, Pierce City, Missouri. Funeral services are to be held on Friday, October 11th, 2024, at 11:00 am, at the First Congregational Church, Pierce City, Missouri. A private, family, graveside-service will be held later in the day to celebrate Jerome's passing to his heavenly home.