Wilmer Richard O’Farrell, 91, son of Charles and Sarah Florence (Cluck) O’Farrell, was born January 19, 1918, in Labette, Kan. He died July 17, 2009, at his home in Houston, Mo.
Wilmer was 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, Ala.; one daughter, Patricia Jane O’Farrell of Tulsa, Okla.; 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, Ga. She preceded him in death March 6, 2000.
Wilmer served in the 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 three purple hearts, three bronze stars, and a Battle Field Commission to officer.
Wilmer also was employed by the U.S. Postal System, retiring after 10 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 outdoors. 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.
Private family graveside services were noon Saturday July 18, 2009, at Pine Lawn Cemetery with Wesley Wallace officiating. Burial was in Pine Lawn Cemetery under the direction of Evans Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.evansfh.com.