Robert Jerry Falkner

ROBERT JERRY FALKNER, 78, of Bellville, Texas, passed away Saturday, October 12, 2024, at his home.

He was born August 5, 1946, in Tyler, Texas, the son of R.L. and Lorene Kent.  Jerry grew up and attended schools in the Tyler area, graduating from Tyler High School in 1964.  After graduation he went to Tyler Junior College for a couple of years, then the University of Houston.  Jerry met the love of his life, Mary Kay Freeman, in Houston and was united in marriage on August 28, 1993, in Crested Butte, Colorado.  They lived there for 14 years.  They lived in Spicewood, Texas, and Sedona, Arizona before calling Bellville home for the past 6 years.  He spent his time as an Analyst on Wall Street.  Jerry enjoyed traveling, photography, being a pilot and flying with his bride, reading and was very intelligent.

He is survived by his wife: Mary Kay Falkner of Bellville; his children: Lezlie Swanson, Dylan Swanson, Faith Swanson, and Steve Swanson all of Katy, Texas; Laura Lambright, Malcolm Bailey, and Mason Bailey; and his stepdaughter: Ann South of Wisconsin: his sister: Peggy Falkner of Tyler; and numerous other family and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents: R.L. and Lorene Falkner.

Pallbearers are Malcolm Bailey, Mason Bailey, Dylan Swanson, Lawson McLane, and Steve Swanson.

The Honorary pallbearers are Gary Young and John Hinrichs.

Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to either:

Houston SPCA

www.houstonspca.org

or to the

Alzheimer's Association

Houston and Southeast Texas Chapter

6055 South Loop East

Houston, Texas 77087

A Story of Jerry's Life from a Special Friend and Colleague,

Since 1987 It has been my honor to have a great friend, co-worker, and partner. I met Jerry in Houston
where I was on assignment from Florida with one of the Kemper Insurance brokers- dealers and we
arranged to have a 5-mile run followed by dinner. We chatted and jogged for 4 miles, but he bored
down in a race for the last mile illustrating Jerry’s competitive streak. He quickly realized his lifestyle
which included a boat and a plane, was far more suited to Florida than Houston and soon agreed to
join our start-up Gulfstream Financial based in Boca Raton on the ocean with an airport behind our
office. Jerry was a Chartered Financial Analyst as was I. Despite my Canadian origins and his Texas
roots, we were one digit removed in our CFA Charters. We both covered consumer stocks which were
made for further bonding. Jerry was a hard worker and contributed to the early success of the Firm.
In addition to work compatibility, we shared a common lifestyle that led to many memorable leisure
activities from scuba diving, to trips to the Keys and the Bahamas that further cemented a strong
friendship. When Kemper consolidated its 5 wholly owned broker-dealers, Jerry, Bob McAleer and I
founded Southeast Research Partners with eleven staff originally. With the help of our clients, we
soon had a viable business despite the dismal market of 1990. We shared in our monthly revenues
which made for variable compensation versus Jerry’s monthly obligations and that resulted in Jerry
forming an Investor Relations firm with our blessing. We continued in a close relationship with Jerry
given the similarities in our businesses and remained close friends.
One of Jerry’s great successes was battling shorts against Blockbuster Videos. He started following
the company when the stock sold for pennies a share and after many serious battles had the
satisfaction of seeing it bought at $38 a share, a real case of “sticktoitiveness.”
And just to mention a few other companies besides Blockbuster Video he brought to life was: Rocky
Mountain Chocolate Factory, Grand Caymen Water Company, Catalina Lighting, Helen of Troy, etc.
Jerry eventually moved back West but communication continued including several appearances at
our Annual Vail investment conferences where he was an active participant.
We mourn Jerry’s loss and send condolences to Mary Kay –his wife of 31 years. Jerry was a delight to
have as a friend, a partner & a credit to his profession. On top of that, he was just a great guy to
fraternize with. He enjoyed his life and those around him, He will be sorely missed!
Peter R. McMullin CFA Oct.14,202