John Joseph Farrell

John Joseph Farrell, 77 died November 8, 2025 at his home in Lenexa, Ks. He was born on August 25, 1948 in Pittsburg, Ks. to Bernard L. Farrell and Melba M. Farrell, nee Payne. 

He spent his early years in Weir, Ks, but the family moved to Liberal, Mo. around 1956, where his father owned The Liberal Telephone Company. He attended Liberal elementary school and graduated from Liberal High School in 1967. He then attended St. Mary’s of the Plains College and graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor degree in History. He also received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1973 from St. Mary’s. In 1974 he earned his Masters in Education degree from Wichita State University, majoring in Educational Administration. 

John began his teaching career in New South Wales, Australia, in 1971. In 1972, he returned to Kansas to continue his studies. He became principal of Holcomb Elementary School in Holcomb, Ks in 1974. In 1979 he began working in educational administration with the Kansas Migrant Education Program in Piper, Ks. 

He then served as a senior administrator in Haysville USD 261, outside of Wichita, Ks. He continued to work in the Kansas Migrant Education Program, with special emphasis on his work with the Consortium Arrangement for Identification and Recruitment (CAIR), which included the participation of 16 State Migrant Education Programs and five national agribusiness corporations. 

In 1998 he earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration and Higher Education from the University of Mississippi. He continued with Post Graduate work since then. At the end of this obituary you will find a list of all that John was involved with and had accomplished throughout his career. Never one to boast, the family feels it important to honor him and his life’s work for the benefit of others, in this way. 

John was of the Catholic faith, having been baptized as an infant, thus following many generations before him on both parent’s sides. Having been heavily influenced by this background, he developed a deep desire to help others and promoted education during his entire career. He was a humble man of endless energy. His infectious laugh made him fun to be around for all. 

So many of his cherished colleagues from all around the country shared the following comments about John. “John was kind and generous to all. In his professional life, he remained the stalwart supporter behind the scenes making connections, developing strategies, finding resources, and taking action to make the impossible possible for the Title 1, Part C program nationwide. His ability to speak the language of farmers, agricultural leadership, and legislators helped countless people on every level. On the national and state level, John’s conversations with decision makers on Capitol Hill including the Secretary of Education, the White House, Department of Education, and members of Congress, had much to do with the success of the program over the years. On the local and individual level, his efforts led to contributions by agri-businesses including on-site after school programs for migratory students while their parents completed their workday. John’s unwavering commitment and willingness to go beyond, think big, and not take “no” for an answer made a difference in thousands of lives. Beyond what he did for the program, he did that much more for those who had the privilege and honor of knowing him and working with him. He was the one you could always count on! He was a precious gem who was loved, admired and appreciated.” 

John found companionship in recent years with John Fink of Atlanta, Georgia. They spent time working and traveling together and in January of 2024, they were married. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, his youngest brother Timothy Farrell, his oldest brother Thomas Farrell, and his sister-in-law Linda Farrell, nee Brooks, Cousin Richard Enzwiler, Uncles Frank Enzwiler and Howard Snyder, Aunts Helen (Farrell) Enzwiler and Bernice (Farrell) Snyder.

 He is survived by his spouse, John Fink, his brother Jim Farrell (Carol Anne) of Overland Park, Cousin Judi Davis (Chuck)of Tuscon, Az., sister-in-law Drenda Farrell, nee West of Paola, Ks.; eight nieces; Michelle (Scott) Emerson, Theresa (Tim) Shmidl, Gina (Mark ) Gilroy, Stephanie (Andy ) Strick, Jenny (Bill) Kleinmann, Elizabeth ( Coby) Feris, Sarah (Travis) Kramer and Diane Farrell (Josh ) and two nephews: Jason (Courtney) Farrell, T. J. (Genice) Farrell and 20 great nieces and nephews. He also leaves many friends and cherished colleagues.

 Services: Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to attend a “Gathering” in John’s memory on Saturday November 22nd at 1:30 pm at Eagles Landing At Lake Olathe, 475 S.Wardcliff Dr. Olathe, Ks 66061. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of John to: Eudora Schools Foundation P.O. Box 500 Eudora, Kansas 66025 

Venmo donations may be sent to @EudoraSchoolsFoundation Online: bit.ly/DonateESF