Richard T. Farmer

Richard T. Farmer, 83, of Emmaus, died Sept. 24, 2024 in his residence. He was the husband of Zona Gail (Cope) Farmer. Born in St. Louis, MO, he was the son of the late Claude W. and Wanda E. (Tyson) Farmer. Dick was a graduate of Northwestern Lehigh High School. An avid lifelong learner, he went on to study at Bucknell University, Temple School of Design, and graduated from Drexel Architectural School. He worked as an architect in Philadelphia while attending Drexel night school and later went on to be an architect for The Pidcock Company for 38 years, retiring in 2009. Dick was a charter member and president of The Friends of the 1803 House. He was a passionate artist and member of the Emmaus Arts Commission, Parkland Art League, and the Bethlehem Palette Club. Dick was an active member of Faith Presbyterian Church, serving as an Elder and on various committees. Active all of his life, he enjoyed skiing, golfing, running, playing tennis, and Masters swimming.
Richard will be remembered by his wife of 58 years, Zona Gail Farmer; daughter, Katie A. wife of Dr. R. Brian Barnes of Macungie; son, Tyson C. Farmer and wife Casey of Pike Road, AL; grandchildren, Abby, Mandy, and Robbie Barnes and Brayden, Ty, and Fitz Farmer. He was predeceased by a brother, Lynn W. Farmer.
A celebration of Dick's life will be held on Sat., Oct. 26, 2024 at 11:00 AM in Faith Presbyterian Church, North 2nd and Cherokee Streets, Emmaus. Visitation 9:30 to 11:00 AM in the church. Schantz Funeral Home, P.C., Emmaus is handling arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to The Friends of the 1803 House, P.O. Box 7, Emmaus, PA 18049, Faith Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 507, Emmaus, PA 18049, or to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741.