Promoted to Glory: Lt. Colonel Wesley Faulkner
Lt. Colonel Wesley Faulkner was Promoted to Glory on August 4, 2024, at the age of 96.
Francis Wesley Faulkner was born in Chicago, IL to officer-parents Major and Mrs. William E. Faulkner on April 2, 1928. His parents came from England to serve as corps officers in Canada, and later in the Central and Southern Territories in the United States.
Francis entered the training college in Atlanta from St. Petersburg, FL, where he had faithfully served as songster leader. He was commissioned in 1949 as a member of the Peacemakers session of cadets. His first corps appointments were to Savannah, GA; Miami Citadel, FL; and the West Gate Outpost in West Palm Beach, FL.
On April 2, 1951 (his 23rd birthday), he married Captain Mary Maxine (Pat) Patrick in Atlanta. As a couple, they served together in field appointments in Gulfport and Columbus, MS; and Baton Rouge, LA; followed by a post as divisional music director in the Georgia Division.
In August 1963, they returned to corps officer assignments in Huntington, WV; and Bradenton, FL. They were sent to the Southern Territorial Headquarters in January 1966, where he served as territorial finance department assistant. He became chief accountant in 1968, and assistant finance secretary in 1974. Further promotions came in 1978 as territorial finance secretary, and in 1988 he became secretary for business administration.
Lt. Colonel Wesley studied accounting at Louisiana State University and earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration with majors in finance and management at Georgia State University.
The colonel was chairman of the National Finance Commission for ten years and chaired the National Business Administration Commission/Conference for five years.
He attended the International College for Officers in London in 1979, and also attended Brengle Institute in Chicago.
After over 40 years of faithful service for Lt. Colonel Wesley, and over 50 years given by Lt. Colonel Pat, they entered honored retirement on June 30, 1993.
Post retirement, Lt. Colonel Wesley served at the Adult Rehabilitation Center in St. Petersburg, FL, working in intake. Eventually he became chaplain, a role he held for more than 20 years. He was dearly loved by all staff and program participants throughout his many years of service.
Lt. Colonel Wesley Faulkner was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 64 years. He is survived by his three sons: William (Elaine) Faulkner, John (Susanne) Faulkner, and James (Diane) Faulkner; as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.