PEORIA - Philip Jose Farmer, age 91, of 6011 N. Briarwood Lane, Peoria, Ill., died Wednesday morning, Feb. 25, 2009, at his home.
He was born Jan. 26, 1918, in Terre Haute, Ind., the son of George and Lucille Jackson Farmer. He married Bette V. Andre on May 10, 1941, in Boonville, Mo. She survives.
Surviving are his children, Kristan Josephsohn of Peoria and Philip L. Farmer of Long Beach, Calif.; five grandchildren, Kim Ladd, Andi Rodman, Stephanie Josephsohn, Thomas Josephsohn and Torin Farmer; six great-grandchildren, Zachary Gittrich, Max Rapp, Kris Ladd, Braedan Josephsohn, Ella Rodman and Liam Rodman; and one sister, Joan Farmer of Santa Cruz, Calif.
He was preceded in death by one grandson, Matthew Josephsohn; and three brothers, Jerry, Gene and George Farmer.
Philip was a technical writer for GE and was the author of several science fiction novels, including "Fabulous River World," "Nothing Burns in Hell," "Strange Relations," "Dark Heart of Time" and many, many others.
He was member of Science Fiction Writers of America.
He was a World War II veteran, serving in the Army Air Forces.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2009, at First Federated Church of Peoria. The Rev. Dr. Forrest Krummel Jr. will officiate. Burial will be at a later date at First Federated Church of Peoria.
Memorials may be made to the church.
Cumerford-Hurd Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be submitted through www.cumerford.com.
We hope you are doing well. We'd love to hear from you.
A gentleman of piercing wit, insatiable curiosity, and deep intelligence will always be etched in my mind. I recall so many good times with you both, and I adored that mischievous twinkle which would come into Phil's eyes. It has been such a pleasure in my life to have known Phil and to continue knowing you. He will be missed by so many, and my heart goes out to you.
My memories of Phil revolve around Book Club, in your home or ours, where he was relaxed and jovial. I share your sorrow at his passing.
Affectionately,
Edie
Dear Betty,
I am sad such a famous man, Philip Jose Farmer, passed away.
Fondly,
We were saddened to read of Philip's death. He was a kind and unique person. We remember good times with both of you in book club. Know that our thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Fondly,
It was my pleasure in knowing Gentleman Joe Farmer. He was such a wonderful human being. He will be missed by thousands.
Jack L. Bradley
Chillicothe, Illinois
I have owned more than 50 of his books and consider his 'Riverworld' series, which I have read and re-read many times, to be the best science fiction series ever written.
I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing and wish to express my condolences to his family, friends and fans.