George Farmer

(From Knell Mortuary)

George Clinton Farmer, Carthage, MO, passed away June 6 after a long illness. He was 86.

George was born Sept 13, 1929 in Golden City, MO, the 7th child of Clint & Ethyl Farmer. He grew up on the farm, and graduated Valedictorian and Class President of Golden City High School in 1947. He continued his education by achieving a Diesel Technical Engineering degree from University of Illinois, Chicago. George was very inquisitive and was always learning new things. He was a competent plumber, welder, fabricator, electrician and carpenter. His skills with Ford cars were unsurpassed during his era.

George married Alice Marlene Snook on September 5, 1953. They were married 60 years and had three children. George and Marlene loved to travel, camp, fish, garden and play cards and laugh with their friends and family. George loved country music, especially Bob Wills and Asleep at the Wheel. He was a skilled guitarist and played in a band in the 60s and 70s. He loved to restore Ford Retractables. He enjoyed taking these beauties to auto shows and won many awards, including best of class at the Maple Leaf festival. George loved to tell jokes and had an extensive collection that was unrivaled.

George always had a love for cars and devoted his career to automotive service. He worked as mechanic, front end alignment technician, and for most of his career as a parts manager for Ford and Lincoln-Mercury dealerships in the four states area. He spent most of his career at C&C Ford in Carthage and Legan-Teeters and Midwest Lincoln-Mercury in Joplin. After his retirement, he worked part time for O’Reilly’s in Carthage.

George was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church in Carthage. He served as usher for many years, and regularly attended for over 50 years. He delivered Meals on Wheels for many years and served as volunteer at local elections, as well. He was a man of great faith and was a great role model for us in his devotion to Christ. He was dedicated to Marlene and his family and lived his life with great integrity.

George was preceded in death by his wife Marlene, brothers John, Roy, Ray, and Wayne, and sister Lois. He is survived by his adorable sister Virginia Faye Katatto of Frankfort, NY, daughters Mary (Jeff) Bruffett of Joplin, MO, & Karen Farmer of Granbury, TX, son Bruce (Christine) Farmer of Duenweg, MO, six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins and one fantastic sister in law, Joan Oglesby of Lamar, MO.

Visitation will be Thursday, June 9, 6-7PM at Knell Mortuary, Carthage, MO. Funeral will be Friday, June 10, at 10AM at First United Methodist Church in Carthage, MO. Burial at Lake Cemetery in Lamar, MO. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary, Carthage.