Emmett Farmer

FARMER, Emmett Donald, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, born January 12, 1919 in Richmond, Va., died peacefully Wednesday, April 14, 2010. Donald is survived by his wife of 65 years, Susan "Sue" James Farmer of Richmond; a daughter, Carol Farmer Clarke and her husband, Stephen M. Clarke, of Charlottesville; two sons, Emmett Donald Farmer Jr. and his wife, Karen Long Farmer, of Richmond and James Richard Farmer and his wife, Vickie Dunham Farmer, of Charlottesville; seven grandchildren, Stephen M. Clarke Jr. and his wife, Shana Brooks Clarke, of Pelham, N.Y., Ashley Warren Clarke of Charlottesville, Jason Rowell Farmer of Norfolk, Emily Farmer Patterson and her husband, Robert Earl Patterson, of Richmond, John Warren Farmer and his wife, Sasha Cannon Farmer, of Charlottesville, James R. Farmer Jr. of Washington D.C. and Travis Prescott Farmer of New York, N.Y.; three great-grandchildren, Brooks Emmett Clarke, Hadley Margaret Clarke, and Owen James Clarke, all of Pelham, N.Y. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett Donald Farmer Sr. and Florence Sadie Farmer Oliver, and his younger brother, Monroe Newton Farmer. Donald retired in 1982 as a senior marketing supervisor after working for Exxon Corporation for 45 years. He was a dedicated and active member of River Road Church, Baptist, serving as chairman of both the Board of Deacons and the Board of Administration. He served as president and treasurer of the Virginia Oil Men's Association, president of the Optimist Club of Richmond, and lieutenant governor of Optimist International. A former member of the Commonwealth Club, he was also active in the Richmond United Way and YMCA. Don was a veteran of WWII and trained as a Navy pilot and then served as athletic director at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk during the war. An avid swimmer and natural athlete, he was active in Richmond swimming circles and helped organize the James River Aquatic Club, serving on the original board. A lifetime football fan, he played in high school at Thomas Jefferson and semi-professional ball in Richmond for the Arrows. Donald will be remembered best for his smile, his tenacity and perseverance, his integrity, and, most of all, his incredible dedication to and love for his family. His positive attitude and engaging personality have left positive impressions and memories for all who knew him and loved him. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Don Farmer will be Monday, April 26, 2010 at 11 a.m. at River Road Church, Baptist, with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to River Road Church, Baptist, 8000 River Road, Richmond, Va. 23229, or The Virginia Home for Boys and Girls, 8716 W. Broad St., Richmond Va. 23294.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.