Paul W. Farmer, 77, of Evansville, passed away Friday, December 13, 2013, at VNA Charlier Hospice Center. He was born July 27, 1936, in Salem, OH, to the late Clifford Y. and Ruth Ona (Baird) Farmer.
He graduated from Fairfield High School, and received a BA degree in Elementary Education from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. He continued on to receive his MS degree in Curriculum from Indiana State University, as well as completing additional post-graduate work at Indiana University. Paul was married to Janice (Schmidt) Farmer on December 26, 1956; they were married almost 57 years. Ever the innovative and forward-thinking educator, Paul worked in many capacities throughout his career. He began as a devoted classroom teacher, and went on to accept a position as product manager for Science Research Associates in Chicago, IL. He was later employed as an Adjunct Professor at both Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada and the University of Southern Indiana. Ultimately, he served as an elementary school principal for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation for 25 years. He held that position at Lincoln, Stringtown, West Terrace, and Culver Elementary Schools. Paul leaves behind a legacy for the betterment of our area's children.
Paul treasured time with his family and balanced it serving tirelessly as an outstanding community volunteer. His talents benefitted numerous organizations throughout the years including, Phi Delta Kappa (President), Youth Enrichment Services (Board), Hoyleton Home (President), Evansville Council of Churches (President), United Way, Patchwork Central (President), Evansville Campus Ministry (Board), Koch Family Children's Museum of Evansville (Interim Director), Jacob's Village (President), Junior Achievement (Education Director), Community of Churches (President), Westside Optimist Club (President), Youth Resources, United Neighborhoods of Evansville, Vanderburgh County First Steps, Community Diversity Network, Property Tax Appeal Board, Westside Improvement Association (President), and most notably, he served on the National PTA Board of Directors for ten years. Paul was also an ordained elder at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, German Township. Ever active in the church, his mission work included two trips to Sri Lanka to work with orphaned children.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Ruth (Baird) Farmer; siblings, the Reverend Dr. Clifford Farmer, Martha (Farmer) Post and Hazel Farmer; and brothers-in-law, Arnold Schmidt and Al Post.
Paul is survived by his wife Janice; in-laws, Alfred and June (Schmidt) Spillman, Donna (Reynolds) Schmidt and Wilma (Fire) Farmer; sons, Terry (Denise) Farmer, Jody Farmer and Kip (Maria) Farmer; grandchildren, Jacob, Emily (Slade), Mitchell, Noah, James, Jackson, Elijah, Spence, Matthew, Wesley and Grace; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Natalie (Slade) and Theodore (Farmer); and nieces and nephews, by whom Paul was further blessed with an especially close relationship.
Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Friday, December 20, 2013, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, German Township, 8701 Big Cynthiana Road, officiated by Rev. Howie Tobak. Friends may visit Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family strongly encourages memorial contributions be made to Hoyleton Children's Home, 350 North Main Street, Hoyleton, IL 62803, St. Paul's UCC German Township of Evansville, or one of the many local charities touched by Paul's dedication that support local children's interests or our neighbors in need. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
January 5, 2014
Gail Riecken
I did not know Paul Farmer had passed until well after. I knew him as an educator and later as one of the strongest leaders of UNOE. He kept it afloat in its infancy and many of us will miss him personally and professionally. And, that includes me. My sincere condolences to you, his family.
December 28, 2013
Ron and Norma Faust
So sorry for your loss. You have our condolences.
December 27, 2013
Vicki Freeman Pugh
Mr. Farmer was a loving and caring educator. He served as a mentor and role model for many kids. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the Farmer Family as you remember this great husband, father and friend.
December 26, 2013
Joan (Sander) Tipple
Janice & extended family of Paul Farmer ~
My condolences on not only your loss, but the entire community of which Paul was a servant leader. His legacy will live on as he touched so many lives and lit so many sparks. God rest his soul. May you find peace and comfort in the fond memories of his dedicated life.
December 20, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I was fortunate to have Mr. Farmer as my elementary school principal and continued to stay in touch with him during your time at Perry Heights. I have many fond memories of this. You are in my thoughts.
Stacey Wolf
December 19, 2013
Phil Hoy
My family and I will miss Paul. His life of service is wonderful and having him as a friend was a joy.
If the United Church of Christ had a way to canonize someone a lot of us would suggest Paul for such an honor.
We will be offering prayers for Paul's family.
Rev. Phil Hoy
December 19, 2013
Richard Steve Tipton
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your many, wonderful, memories of the precious years you shared together bring you comfort.
December 19, 2013
Cheryl Musgrave
Paul added so much to our community and touched the lives of many, including our family. He was the Principal at West Terrace when my children were young. Mr Farmer was so cool, he even allowed Bring Your Pet To School Day! We will miss his kind smile and ever-caring presence.
December 19, 2013
Christy Pursell
Janice, I'm sorry I did not have the pleasure of meeting you, but I did have the honor of being on the Hoyleton board when Paul was President. His compassion for children and his desire to help others was evident in the way he led our board and in all the work he did for Hoyleton. I know he will be missed but I'm sure his legacy will not be forgotten.
December 19, 2013
Janet Buente
"Well done thou good and faithful servant". Paul was ever and always a hard worker and an overachiever. He will be greatly missed. We worked together on various committees and lastly as the Association Visitors for the Evansville Tri-state Association. My thoughts and prayers go out to Janice, June, Al and the rest of the family.
December 18, 2013
Nana WIng
Paul will be greatly missed. Paul will always be remembered as a wonderful man Gone but not forgotten.
December 18, 2013
basil smith
so sorry for your family loss my thoughts and prayers are with you all Janice was my teacher for many years and your sons very talented god bless the farmer family.
December 18, 2013
John and Kathryn DiDomizio
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this time of great loss.
December 18, 2013
Judy Dockery
It has been many years since I worked with Mr. Farmer on various school committees and PTA. I still remember his dedication and commitment to doing what was right for children instead of what was easiest for the adults. He made his days count and accomplished much.
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
December 18, 2013
Michael Lockard
Dear Mrs. Farmer
I wish you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. Words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt by so many from the loss of Paul. On a personal level he was a mentor, an inspiration, a colleague, but most importantly a friend.
Please know that I and many others are thinking of you and your family and praying for peace and comfort. We will always cherish the beautiful memories of Paul, and our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the love of God embrace you in these tough moments and help you heal the pain you feel in your heart by means of time, and may memories of Paul and the love of family surround you and give you strength in the days ahead.
Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near. Still loved, still missed and very dear.
May tender memories soften your grief,
May fond recollection bring you relief,
And may you find comfort and peace in the thought
Of the joy that knowing your loved one brought.
For time and space can never divide
Or keep your loved one from your side.
When memory paints in colors true,
the happy hours that belonged to you.
December 18, 2013
Stephen Ralph
Paul Farmer will be greatly missed. He was a wonderful man and the epitome of a servant leader. God placed Paul in my life at the right time, and I was truly blessed. I will always be inspired by his commitment to faith, community, and serving others.
December 18, 2013
Dr. Phil Bender
Dear Janice,
I was truly saddened to hear of Paul's passing. It was Paul who provided my first opportunity to teach in January of 1975. He has continuously served as a guiding light throughout my career and I will never forget his compassion for all children. Please extend my heartfelt sympathy to your children, but most notably to grandson Jacob, who was always my favorite student.
December 18, 2013
Jo Ann Gauthier
Paul was an inspiration to all of us. Sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family.
December 18, 2013
Janice, So sorry to hear of Paul's passing. I remember the many years of working with him in PTA. He was dedicated to working for and with children. Lots of great memories. May you find peace in knowing that you now have another angel looking over you.
Phyllis Pate, Eddyville, KY (formerly Evansville)
December 18, 2013
Stephanie Terry
My sympathy to all the family. May God give you strength during this difficult time. Paul was truly a great man with a huge heart for kids and for this community. It was an honor to work with him. He will be missed.
December 18, 2013
Crystal Chittenden
RIP Paul- Thank you for your contributions to education. I appreciated my time working with you through JA.
God bless your family and I pray for them.
Crystal
December 17, 2013
Patty Avery
Paul was a wonderful man whose joy in service and deep belief that commitment to doing the hard work of improving this world would improve people's lives in tangible ways. He was a real inspiration to me.
December 17, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. He was an outstanding fellow educator and a compassionate human being who worked tirelessly on behalf of children worldwide. He affected so many lives in a positive way through his work.
God Bless,
Mike and Sandy Madriaga
December 17, 2013
Jayne Mills
Jim and I are so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. My sympathy to all the family. You are in our prayers.
December 16, 2013
John and Karen Peninger
We are so very sorry for your loss. Terry, Denise....all the family.....you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
December 16, 2013
Stephen Below
So sorry for your loss...Paul was one of my favorite teachers. He had us purchase (fictitiously) 100 shares of stock and watch it through the year...I think we were in the fifth grade. I bought IBM (wish he would have fronted the money and let us purchase , it was 1968ish) He had a great way of connecting with people of all ages.
December 16, 2013
Debby weber
Dear Denise and Terry and Family Sorry for loss of your Dad Paul Farmer he will be greatly missed.
love Debby weber
December 16, 2013
Ruth Baize
Janice and Family,
I am deeply saddened at the passing of Paul. He lived a life well done. My sympathy to the entire family.
Ruth Zimmerman Baize
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