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Kenneth Farmer Obituary
He was born August 8, 1916, to Lucinda Hansbrough and John Franklin Farmer in Fern Creek, KY. K. B. Farmer graduated from Fern Creek High School and Western Kentucky University. He earned a master's degree in administration and supervision from the University of Louisville. He was respected by and influenced the lives of students, parents, and teachers in his 44 years as an advocate and educator in the Jefferson County Public School System. His career began as a teacher at Camp Taylor Elementary School. He was the principal of Greathouse Elementary and Goldsmith Elementary. He was the first principal of Seneca High School which, at that time, was the largest high school in the state of Kentucky. Following his years at Seneca, he became a director of JCPS until his retirement in 1981.
His mechanical mind could fix or invent almost anything. He enjoyed being with his family, gardening, repairing lawn mowers, framing pictures, and watching U of L basketball. He was a member of Southeast Christian Church.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years of marriage, Thelma Breitenstein Farmer; and his three brothers, James Everett, Dr. John Hudson and Harry Franklin Farmer.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Kenneth M. Farmer, M.D. (Janet) of Louisville; his daughter, Linda Farmer Henley (Dale) of Lexington, KY; four grandchildren, Michael Farmer, M.D. (Amanda), of Memphis, TN, Allison Henley Gallo ( Major Dan Gallo, M. D.), of Niceville, FL, Jonathan Farmer (Olivia) of Louisville and Christopher Henley, M.D. of Chicago, IL; two great-grandchildren; his sister, Elsie Farmer Deutsch; his sister-in-law, Elizabeth Breitenstein Baker; lifelong friend, Garland Cochrane; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
His family is grateful for the excellent care he received at Oaklawn Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and Baptist Hospital East.
A service to celebrate his life will be held at Fern Creek Funeral Home, 5406 Bardstown Road at 2 p.m. Wednesday, with burial at Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be Tuesday at Fern Creek Funeral Home from 2 - 8 p.m.
Expressions of sympathy in his honor may be made to: Fern Creek High School Hall of Fame, 9115 Fern Creek Road, 40291; Seneca High School Alumni Association, 3510 Goldsmith Lane 40220; or Southeast Christian Church, 920 Blankenbaker Pkwy., 40243.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Farmer
candy ruedeman
June 10, 2011
Mike, just heard of your loss, and wanted to let you know I am thinking of you and your family.
Candy Fenimore Ruedeman
Vicki Meade
June 10, 2011
Mr. & Mrs Farmer were good friends of my mother. She went to school with them at Western and taught with Mr Farmer at Camp Taylor. He was such a kind sweet person when he was principal at Seneca. I will always remember getting ice cream at his little shop on the corner of Durrett Lane and Preston and him calling me "Little Aleene" and of course seeing him everyday at Seneca. He will be missed..as my Dad would say about some people..."God broke the mold when he made Mr. Farmer....never to have another like him" My sympathy and prayers are with you all!
Vicki Gocke Meade (68)
June 3, 2011
Nicest gentleman you would ever want to meet. I was in the class of 62' and am grateful for his leadership and compassion during those years. I feel like we have all lost a family member. My deepest sympathy goes out to Mr. Farmer's son Mike and all his family members.
Sincerely, Henry (Hank) Harrison
June 2, 2011
A great man. I am so sorry to hear the sad news. He was the perfect principal for Seneca High School and created an atmosphere of greatness that served us well during the best years of our lives. He will be missed.
Ken Holzknecht, Class of 1965
June 1, 2011
Mr. Farmer was my principal at Seneca High School until I graduated in 1962. I will always remember him with the highest regard. My deepest sympathy to his family. Sincerely, Marilyn Sadler
June 1, 2011
a very special kind friendly ,keen sense of humor,extremely intelligent,wonderful person
i knew him as the principal of seneca where our two daughters attended. The best of the Best so very sorry for your loss God Bless anne h straub
June 1, 2011
I have such warm memories of my high school principal. Mr. Farmer set the tone and expectations which made those years a wonderful experience.
God Bless all of you.
Janice Barnes Shafer, Orlando FL. ('68)
Todd Moseley Brown
May 29, 2011
Dear Linda and Mike,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families following the death of your dear Dad. He was a caring role model to many of us and we are better people for having been influenced by him. Best wishes to you all.
Diane Koprowski
May 27, 2011
I am so sorry for the loss of Kenneth Farmer. I met him when my father used him to help fix his lawn mower. I enjoyed the talks when I would go to his house with my father. Later in life, I became a Seneca High School Redskin. I graduated in 1999. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by everyone he met.
Barbara (Gregory)Vogler
May 25, 2011
Linda, I will always remember your mother and dad. Do you remember when we would play on the stage at Seneca while my sister Judi cheered on the Basketball team. When we we young the had great time. My sister Judi and brother in law Jim are coming for their 50 year reunion from Seneca next week end. Sorry he won't be there. Mom and I were talking about him the other day. He was a wonderful person and a GREAT principal. Love and prayers from Barbara (Gregory) Vogler and my mom Jean Gregory Sorry we didn't know till today. God bless you all.
Sharon & Jack Allen
May 25, 2011
Mr. Farmer was a gentle, sweet man..we will miss seeing him cutting the grass, with his favorite old hat to keep the sun out of his eyes.
Debra Brown, HISC
May 25, 2011
Mrs. Linda and Mr. Mike,
It was such an honor to get to know your father. What a wonderful man - very easy to love and care about.
May 24, 2011
Linda and Mike,
Condolences to you and your children and family. I so hate to see your dad go, even though I know it was his time. The era of our parents is closing in. Your mom was so close to Mother~she misses her so much and now, your dad too. Such a guy~repairing lawn mowers in his retirement. Ha. My parents, your parents, the Cochranes and all of the bridge club families. What a legacy they leave! As principal of Seneca, your dad was gentle and firm, which I remember from being in his office! Ha again.
Holding you and your family in thoughts and prayers.
Sally Spurr
Class of 67
Luther Williams
May 24, 2011
Mr. Farmer was one of my heros of life. He took a special interest in me, always encouraging his students. I had some difficulty with one high school teacher and he went out of his way to direct me. I'll always remember him taking me fishing and devoting a Saturday to one of his students at Seneca. He will be missed.
Luther Williams
Seneca Class of 61
May 24, 2011
Mr. Farmer was the epitome of all principals. Everyday, his voice came over the intercom with announcements, the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer (don't think that happens these days. I found it ironic that he was my principal from the 7th - 12th grade, but also my Mom's teacher when she was in the 4th grade at Camp Taylor.
He was a special man that doesn't come along often.
Toni Walton
Class of 66
Sherry Howard
May 24, 2011
Remembering Mr. Farmer at Seneca. He was a class act. My condolences to the family.
Pat Sucher
May 24, 2011
Mike,Janet,Johnathan and the entire Farmer family, I would like to extend my condolences for the loss of your father and grandfather. I feel fortunate to have known him and to have had him as a principal. Memories are what keep us going.
Becky Spurr Beam
May 24, 2011
Linda and Mike, Your dad will be missed. He and your Mom (and monthly bridge games) are part of my memories of growing up. Mom also sends her prayers.
Janice Brashear Jaggers
May 24, 2011
I was in the 2nd graduating class at Seneca 1962. I remember his fairness and wisdom at handling problems with kids the first year of the school. We were all new kids brought together from several new schools. He showed kindness and interest in each student. He made everyone feel important and valued. I believe that is why so many leaders came from the school - we had a great example.
Mr. Farmer at Class of '62 Reunion
Frank Binford
May 24, 2011
Mr. Farmer was an excellent leader and educator. I believe his example of leadership as the Principal in the early years of Seneca High School influenced us in the way we handled leadership roles. He was tough but not too tough, he was fair in his dealing with any situation. He kept his eyes on the big picture of life.
Frank Binford, Class of '62
May 24, 2011
I did not know Mr. Farmer as a principal at Seneca but I've heard for years - and experienced - the legacy that he left for those after him. My mother worked with his brother James at Christian Academy of Louisville and knew the high caliber of this family. May we all learn from their wonderful examples of work, caring and living. My sincere condolences to the Farmer family and may you all know that he was loved and respected.
Sandi Poulter Neat
SHS Class of 1979
Billie Hollenbeck
May 24, 2011
I believe our "Mr. Farmer" came to Greathouse when I was in the 6th grade. He was instantly loved by everyone! I came to Louisville for our reunion several years ago as much to see him and hear him speak as I did to see ole friends! He certainly chose the best profession for himself------------he was a terrific administrator and so kind and caring to all.
Some of the boys went to him one day and asked if I could be on the boy's baseball team. He said, "No" but then sent for me to come in and talk to him. I didn't even know this had happened, but he wanted to take the time to talk to me about it. So---In I went a bit apprehensive. He explained that perhaps some day this could be done, but "not quite yet". I really didn't care to do it and probably would not have done it anyway, but he kindness to caring to take the time to talk to me will never be forgotten!
He was an exceptional man and we all loved him.
Billie Clingman Hollenbeck
Kay Snyder Simmons, Class of "67
May 24, 2011
Linda, Dale, Allie and Dan, Chris and Mike:
What a great person, first rate educator, accomplished leader and wonderful family man we have lost with the passing of Mr. Farmer. I have some great and sometimes funny memories of spending lots of time at the principal's daughter's house. We will always remember Mr. Farmer's warmth and care for so many. My thoughts are with you. With deep sympathy.
Ed Van Cleave
May 23, 2011
My thought's are with you and your family at this time,Dr. Mike. Your father sounds like he was a great person.
Jaye Bittner
May 23, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Farmer or Kenny "B" as we called him behind his back. He was truly a gentleman and a gentle man. May his soul be bound in the bonds of eternal life. He will be missed.
Jaye HINERFELD Bittner
Class of '64
Darlene Mathieson
May 23, 2011
Linda and Dale, Allie and Dan, and Chris,
Neil and I were certainly privileged to have met Mr. Farmer. He was a fascinating gentleman with many great experiences to share. We will always be inspired by his zest for life, his passion for learning, and his great love of family and friends. What a wonderful legacy he has left for us all. Our prayers are with you.
Love,
Neil and Darlene (Mom)
May 23, 2011
Condolences on the passing of Mr.Farmer. Not many are remembered for a lifetime, but he was an exception for me. He will be missed.
Tom Helm Class of '66
Dan Hicks
May 23, 2011
As much as it was the norm for high school students to hold all school authorities in contempt, I have nothing but warm memories of Mr Farmer. I can still, over 40 years later, remember his warm smile. Dan Hicks, Seneca '67
May 23, 2011
With kindest thoughts and fondest memories of this fine man, I extend to his family my most sincere sympathy.
Brenda Greenlee Stettenbenz
Seneca High School Class of '64
Sherrin & Joe Parrott
May 23, 2011
Linda and Mike, Our deepest sympathy go out to you and your kids. Your dad was always kind and welcoming to us and held our deepest respect. He was a great man.
Principal of Greathouse Elementary, 1947
Mildred Carter Farmer
May 23, 2011
Mr.Farmer was my 7th grade teacher (and told my mother I would make straight A's if I would keep my mouth shut) and then principal at Greathouse when we graduated in 1947. We reconnected later when he (and his brothers) were patients of the doctors that I worked for. And even later as an administrator with JCPS, where he and my husband Raymond became acquainted--even now, we are asked if Raymond is related to the Farmers from Fern Creek and who had been in the school system. This photo was taken by me in January of 1947, when he was principal at Greathouse. He was truly a gentleman and the epitome of what a school teacher/administrator should be.
Betty Bramblett
May 23, 2011
Sincere condolences to the Farmer family. Mr. Farmer was a friend and role model to the students he led. Betty (Maloney) Bramblett, SHS '64
May 23, 2011
I remember Mr. Farmer so warmly first as a my teacher for about half of my seventh grade year and as principal of Greathouse Grade School during my eighth (and last) grade year. What a nice man! He had the respect and affection of all of his students. My condolences to his family.
Martha Willis Scott
Trina Blunt
May 23, 2011
My heart felt sympathy to the Farmer famly. Mr. Farmer was a wonderful teacher and principal. He was a pleasure to know.
Barbara Frayer
May 23, 2011
Very beautiful tribute to your Dad, Linda. You are all in our hearts and prayers.
Love,
Barb and Family
Jim and Judi(Gregory) Goolsby
May 23, 2011
It is a time of nostalgic reflection as the 50th reunion of the first graduating class of Seneca High School approaches. Mr. Farmer was an outstanding role model. We are sad, but will celebrate his life at the reunion.
Grover Sales III
May 23, 2011
Mr Farmer was my Principal at Seneca when I graduated in 1969.He was not only a great Educator,But a Better person.
He formed young lives and taught you how to succeed in life.The world was a better place with Kenneth Farmer in it.
My sympathies to Mike and Linda and the entire Seneca family..
God Bless his Memory..
Grover Sales III
Seneca Class of 1969
May 23, 2011
It is a time of nostalgic reflection as the 50th reunion of the first graduating class of Seneca High School approaches. Mr. Farmer was an outstanding role model. We are sad
Jim and Judi(Gregory) Goolsby
May 23, 2011
It is a time of nostalgic reflection as the 50th reunion of the first graduating class of Seneca High School approaches. Mr. Farmer was an outstanding role model. We are sad, but we will celebrate his life at the reunion.
Janet Straub Peters
May 23, 2011
Mr. Farmer was not only a Principal, he was a man with princilpes.... We all held him in high esteem and it was a privilege to attend Seneca under his leadership. Linda, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
May 23, 2011
My sincere sympathy to the family, and especially my classmate, Linda.Seneca was a GREAT school when Mr. Farmer was at the helm.
May 23, 2011
MR FARMER WAS THE FIRST MALE TEACHER I WAS ASSOCIATED WITH , NONE COULD HAVE BEEN MORE KIND THEN HE
I TALKED WITH HIS FGRANDSON , WHO I GAVE ALLEGRY SHOTS TO AT MIDDLETOWN MD OFFICE
\MY KINDEST REGARDS TO HIS WONDERFUL FAMILY
PAT CRAFT BRYANT
Milam Beasley
May 23, 2011
What a guy! I feel like a better person for him having influencing me in my early years. Prayers for all the family.
May 23, 2011
The Alumni and Friends of Seneca extend our condolenceces to the Family of Mr Farmer. Seneca will always remember our first Principal and the fabulous impact he had on our school, its students and our community.
Seneca Forever!
Brant Stevens
President,
Seneca Past and Present Alumni Association
May 23, 2011
I frequently mention the first male principal we were lucky enough to have had at Atherton and will miss him when I come up for our 60th reunion. Ann Cummings, College Station, TX.
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