J. David Farmer

J. David Farmer was born June 28, 1946, in Sikeston, Missouri and left this world for his heavenly home on September 29, 2025.
Dave is survived and missed by his loving wife Patricia (Chandler) of 58 years; and his children Christine (Monica), Heather, Jeffrey (Jola) and fur baby Minnie. Forever cherished and remembered by his four grandchildren, Leah, Joshua, Elijah (Peyton) and Aidan. He is survived by his sister Florence Mae Slagley, sister-in-law Janet Farmer, brother-in-law Paul Chandler, sister-in-law Claudia Chandler and sister-in-law Diane Miller.
His memory lives on with his nieces and nephews, Rhonda, Danny, Mike, Barbara Randy, Richard Lee, Regan, Terry, Jimmy, Donna, Sandy, Cindy, James, Wayne, Rich, Jason, Jonathan, Jacob, Joel and Crystal.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Sylvester and Mary Elizabeth (Smith) Farmer, and by his brothers Charles Lee, Luell, and Thomas and sister Minnie Adeline. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws Robert & Ruby Chandler, brother-in-law Bobby, sisters-in-law Mildred and Charlene, nephews Gary Wayne and Kevin, and nieces Cora Lee and Sharon.
Dave was a proud graduate of Guilford High School in Rockford, Illinois. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Patricia Chandler, on December 17, 1966. In July of 1967 he answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army as a Combat Medic during the Vietnam War. He returned home from the War in July of 1969.
Dave was employed by the Chrysler Corporation in Belvedere, Illinois as an Assembly Line Worker from 1969 until 1975, when he ventured West to California with his young family. He worked for Kaiser Steel in Eagle Mountain from 1975 until the mine permanently closed in 1983. The closure of the mine opened the door for him to discover the career he most enjoyed. In 1984 Dave accepted a position as a Letter Carrier with the United States Postal Service in Palm Desert, California. From 1984 until his retirement in 2012 Dave reliably delivered the mail with care, and more importantly greeted each person on his route with warmth, kindness, a genuine smile and respect.
Some of his greatest joy came from his three children. They created many memories while enjoying road trips as a family, playing the license plate game punctuated with the inevitable questions of "are we there yet?". Crossing the country to visit family, enjoy camping, and stopping at many amusement parks and National Parks along the way.
Dave loved spending time with family, especially his four grandchildren. He loved to treat them to dinners out, swimming, cook outs, and trips to the zoo and Disneyland. He also had a great sense of humor and loved to sing silly songs for his grandkids and would do anything to see them laugh and smile. His favorite family-game-night game was Pegs, and oh how we all wish we could play one more game with him.
Dave had a deep faith in Jesus that inspired his servant's heart and directed his daily life. He had incredible patience and always took the time to help others. His legacy of love and service lives on in the hearts and lives of his cherished family.