Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Wilmer Richard O'Farrell 1918-2009

Wilmer Richard O’Farrell, age 91, son of Charles and Sarah Florence (Cluck) O’Farrell was born January 19, 1918 in Labette, Kansas. He died July 17, 2009 at his home in Houston, MO.

Wilmer is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Iris Pearl (Miles), one sister, Velma Livick, and two brothers, Wallace and Jack O’Farrell.

He is survived by one son, John Michael O’Farrell of Huntsville, Alabama, one daughter, Patricia Jane O’Farrell of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and six grandchildren, Sarah Ruth Dash, Samuel Joseph Dash, Joel Stephen Dash, John Richard O’Farrell, Kevin Daniel O’Farrell, and William Robinson O’Farrell.

He married Iris Pearl Miles on February 28, 1948 in Columbus, Georgia. She preceded him in death March 6, 2000.

Wilmer served in the U.S. Army for 30 years. He served in the Korean War and fought in the Aleutian Islands and the Philippines in World War II. Among numerous other medals, he received a purple heart with an oak leaf cluster, six bronze stars, and a Battle Field Commission to officer.

Wilmer also was employed by the U.S. Postal System, retiring after ten years of service.

He was an avid gardener, preparing the ground for planting by shoveling the soil by hand, even at the age of 91. He loved fishing and being out of doors. He was a man of invention, fixing anything by using whatever materials were at hand. He was a skilled boat maker. He enjoyed life and was creative, taking each day at a time and making the best of many hard situations.

He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Pine Lawn Cemetery

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