Robert “ Bob” Willard Farmer
Robert “ Bob” Willard Farmer
Robert “Bob” Willard Farmer died December 3, 2021 at his home. Bob was born at midnight August 23, 1931 on a farm south of Clarence, the son of Rodney Willard Farmer and Alice Madelyn McMurtry Farmer. Since it was midnight, the doctor told his parents they could choose the birthday of August 22 or August 23. Therefore, Bob shares his August 23rd birthday with his granddad, Rodney Clay Farmer. Bob was united in marriage to Carol Lou Mahoney on November 28, 1954 with recent celebration of their 67th wedding anniversary.
Bob is survived by his wife, one sister, Nadean Elizabeth Farmer Wood; five sons Robert Lee Farmer, Jeffrey Bruce Farmer, Timothy Joel Farmer and wife Karrie, Steven Willard Farmer and Thad Patrick Farmer; grandchildren Lindi Bell Binder and husband Nathan Binder, Jaime Farmer and wife Jo, Jessica Townsend, and Samantha Farmer; great granddaughters Avery Farmer and Sawyer Farmer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Patricia Alice Farmer Jarboe and Clara Sue Farmer Murphy; brother Lee “Chuck” McMurtry Farmer, son, Jonathan Clay Farmer and great-granddaughter, Karalynn Binder.
Bob attended Lily Dale Rural School and graduated from Clarence High School in 1949. He also attended the University of Missouri on a scholarship. Bob was drafted in the US Army and served 16 months in the Korean War. He always said that Korea was the coldest place on earth.
Bob farmed most of his life and managed the lumber yards in Clarence for 20 years. Bob was a member of the Clarence VFW and the Clarence American Legion. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, spending many years as communion minister, usher, and greeter. He and monsignor John Mahoney became good friends while John served as Priest at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.
Bob had a witty and interesting way of looking at life. For example, he always told his grandchildren that “drinking water would rust your insides.” He also had a famous phrase, “That’s Out,” which he used any time he disagreed with something.
Visitation was held Sunday, December 5, at Greening Eagan Hayes Funeral Home in Clarence from 3 to 6 p.m. The funeral was held Monday, December 6, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Clarence at 10 a.m. Internment was at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Clarence. Due to COVID-19, the family asks all visitors and attendees to please wear face masks.
Memorials may be made to the Clarence American Legion, St. Patrick’s Cemetery and the Ronald McDonald House in Columbia.
