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Joshua Farris Obituary

Joshua Ray Farris Joshua Ray Farris, age 22, was called to be with his Heavenly Father on July 9, 2009. Joshua was a bright light in the lives of anyone he touched, this light shone brightest in the light to his mother, Marla Farris-Calhoun. Joshua enjoyed all the many things life offered to the fullest. Some of the things he enjoyed were BMX and dirt biking, guitars, playing music, fishing, and all the things the great outdoors offered. Family was the most important to Joshua, he thoroughly enjoyed being with and doing different activities with his many family members and many, many friends. Joshua was born in Austin, Texas and went to school in Smithville, Texas from the 1st grade to graduation. Upon graduation, Joshua entered the U.S. Army. While serving his country, Joshua's bright future was brought to an end July 9th in Afghanistan. He is and will be missed by all who knew him. Joshua is survived by his mother, Marla Farris-Calhoun; step-father, Gene Calhoun; father, Thornton Rayl; adopted father, Brent Hill; five brothers, Geoffrey, Joseph, Zachary, Kevin, and Cade; one sister, Brittany; four cousins that were like brothers and sisters to him, Crystal, Michelle, Justin, and Jeremiah Brian; grandparents, Nancy and Harvey Thorp; and great grandmother, Agnes Edwards. Visitation will be Friday, July 17 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and funeral service Saturday, July 18 at 10:00 a.m. at All Faiths of the Pines, 110 American Legion Road, Smithville, Texas, followed by interment at Miller Creek Cemetery in Johnson City at 2:00 p.m.

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Published by Austin American-Statesman on Jul. 16, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Joshua Farris

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Robert Cash

December 3, 2013

growing up with josh in lake thunderbird we became close freinds almost family marla i want to say that im thankful for a brother like josh we made a lot of memories that will never be forgotten just as josh will never be forgotten i think of him often n miss him like crazy RIP SPC JOSHUA FARRIS gone but not forgotten

Josh, Zack, and I fishing at his dads:)

Lauren Ellis

February 21, 2011

Josh was a really nice guy and great friend to my husband Zack and more that knew him. I remember when Josh, Zack, Mark, and I sat ontop of these old oil drums and he was playing guitar in the middle of the night. Also at his dads house fishing and a fish snagged my pole into the pond...but he caught it back on his hook amazingly! I just wanted to say that he is missed and thought of ever so oftenly.

Tamara Mitchell

May 27, 2010

Josh will never be forgotten. My prayers are with him and his family. I didnt know josh as a teenager really but from 5-13 I grew up outside of smithville in lake thunderbird, i can recall tons of memories that i will never forget. Love you josh,

May 21, 2010

It's amanda. Josh, you were an amazing person and friend. I
think about you every day and i miss you so much. You'll never be forgotten and you'll always be loved. We miss you

Nastassia Wiley

May 21, 2010

Hey josh, its nastassia, I remember when we were little and we used to play tag in the front field of Lake Thunderbird. Good times lol Catch the girl and kiss her cheek lol. I know ur in a good place, a better place but i am really sorry that This happend to you..you are truely a hero. My sister Tamara was really devestated about it too. I am sure she remembers all the fun growning up. my condolences to His family.

Nastassia Wiley
U.S. Army

Lily

March 9, 2010

Josh was such a great friend, there is no doubt in my mind that in our hearts he will live on forever.

Cozette Haggerty

January 3, 2010

Re: SPC Joshua Ray Farris

Hello,
I represent PRAYER SHAWLS 4 FALLEN SOLDIERS (PS4FS), an organization that since October 2007 has sent over 3,290 prayer shawls to military families who have lost a loved one. We are an organization of over 245 groups from all over the country. We make every effort to reach families even when post cards are returned after they have moved. Would you kindly send me a contact email/address so that we may send a loving hand-made prayer shawl to the family? Thank you!

Cozette Haggerty, Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers
Email: [email protected]
Website Address: http://webpages.charter.net/ps4fs/shawls

November 20, 2009

Josh's mom. My name is Sharon and my son, Private Rasmussen served with your son in Afghanistan. They were assigned many times to do Guard Duty together and spent many hours talking and joking. My son looked to your son for guidance and comfort when times got tough. Keegan is only 20 years old and just deployed to Afghanistan on April 19th. Your son welcomed him and showed him the way of the world being deployed. I actually had a brief moment to speak to your son on the cell phone several days before his death. What a nice young man and how very proud you should be to have such a caring and giving son. Keegan was very saddened by the loss as we all are. My Keegan has just returned from Afghanistan with injuries sustained from an IED explosion. I felt the need to look Josh's family up and tell you how very sad I am for your loss and that hopefully God is providing some strength for you at this time. I would love to talk to you more and would like to provide my email address for you. [email protected]
Please feel free to contact me at any time and again Peace be with you and your family.

Scott Cariker

September 10, 2009

Josh, I never met you bro but you are a true hero and make America strong and proud. I know your Mom from a mutual friend in Austin. May you rest in peace!

krystal nunnelee

August 31, 2009

Even though i meet joshua a couple of times when he came down with geoff. he was sitll a funny and happy guy. i cant believe what happend and im sorry.

Yolanda Valdez-Perez

July 30, 2009

Another Fallen Hero ~

My heart breaks as I sign another guestbook of such a courageous young man who gave his life so selflessly. May he rest in peace knowing that he is loved and remembered by those who knew him. From one military family to another, we know the pain you feel, we lost our only son 9-3-2004 at the age of 19 and it fells like yesterday. No amount of words can ease the pain of our loss and we know first hand, there are no words of comfort at this time.
Just know that there are families across the USA who is experiencing your loss and pain. Our sons grew up, chose to serve our country and in that moment became a hero, a patriot. Their legacy will remain as such. We will forever be united in the loss of our Heroes.
May God grant you peace, strength and comfort in such a difficult time. On behalf of the Valdez-Perez family, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to your entire family and loved ones.
I am truly thankful and grateful for the true dedication and bravery in protecting and serving our country from you son. You are a True American Hero. May you rest in peace.

Thank you Legacy.com for setting up this website so families can quickly share their condolences and prayers with others like themselves across this great nation.

Proud Marine Mom & Family:
LCpl. Nicholas S. Perez – KIA 9~3~04 – Anbar Province, Iraq

Andrew Quintero

July 28, 2009

Josh and family,
Josh, you were one of the best friends that I've ever had the pleasure of sharing this short time on earth with. You still make me laugh, think and even cry, at times. I will never forget you or the deep and serious conversations that we had. I will always remember you and will miss you forever. I can still here your voice and see your fingers strumming that guitar in my minds eye. You can no longer learn from me about this life. It is I who will now learn from you. Thank you for having me in your life.
Drew.

Shelley Eckhoff

July 23, 2009

Although we don't know one another, my son Casey Eckhoff, was serving with Joshua there in Afghanistan. My son had just left for R&R and had met Joshua on his way back to his unit. Joshua had mentioned that this R&R was one of the best times of his life. As they said good-bye my son had no idea he would be coming home to this loss. What a difference your son has made in so many peoples lives! My son clings to his pictures with Josh and his memories of a brother he was gifted with even if for a very short time.
I cannot even imagine your loss or the pain you are having to endure. I can see my sons loss of one of his brothers and I want you to know that my family has you in our prayers. What your son and your family have done for all of us is one of the most Nobelist and honorable things any person can do for another human being. I can never thank you enough. I just wish there was more I could do. God bless all of you who were left behind by this angel who protected our lives by giving his own. He will NEVER be forgotten.

shawn perio

July 22, 2009

josh ur a hero buddy u will always be remembered bro

Charlene Carlson

July 21, 2009

Marla,

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,
Charlie

Clint & Kris Pyburn

July 21, 2009

We use to own a Mom & Pop convenience store just outside of Smithville in a small suburb called Lake Thunderbird. Our store was located at the entrance to Lake Thunderbird. Marla and her boys lived in the subdivision, along with her Dad and Sister. The local boys and girls would usally be at our store everyday. My husband and I used to comment that these kids would be the ones fighting for our country, right up front...HERO's. My husband used to say, "true grit is what these kids are made up of". Country kids walking bearfoot on the hot rocks, fishing at the local man made lake. Josh and cousins along with friends would be upset if we were out of fishing worms. I remember telling my husband once that Joshua was such a good kid... honery like the rest of the boys but always smiling and very polite. The kids in this neighborhood were tuff and had sorta of a special bond ....like looking out for each other. I always told my husband it had alot to do with their families. Our store closed and to this day we still miss all the wonderful families we met. From time to time we'll run into one of those kids all grown up....and YES, Clint was right they are the ones right out front..looking out for us like Josh Farris...What a Hero.

Marla, We can't express in words our sadness we feel for you losing Josh, your precious son. We did want to say thanks for introducing Josh to us....it was a pleasure knowing him.

Love, Kris & Clint

Margie Funkhouser

July 21, 2009

While I did not know your son, I have a husband who is deployed in Afghanistan. Thank you for your service and sacrifice. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless!!

SFC Tomas Avey

July 21, 2009

I am sad to have heard of Josh's death. In OEF 7, I was his squad leader. Our squad was very close and we all are extremly shocked. I deeply regret not being able to come to the burial. I will come to tx soon enough to pay my respects and say goodbye. I also have lots of photos of us. Goodbye Josh.

Vonny Branner

July 20, 2009

I did not know your son, I am a spouse of a deployed 10th Mountain soldier. I just wanted to say you have my condolences and our country has lost another young life too soon. Thank you for your service and sacrafice Joshua. May God rest your soul and comfort your family.

Mary Helen Soriano

July 20, 2009

As a mother who has a daughter serving in Afghanistan, I had to let you know that I am praying for you and your family. That God may give you the strength that you need at this time.

Angie

July 20, 2009

I don't know you, but my heart goes out to you & famiy I, will continue praying for Josh, always remember that you have a Angel in heaven looking down on you and He'll always be your HERO ....

GOD BLESS

G Parker

July 19, 2009

God bless Josh and hold him in His loving arms...My prayers and sympathy for the family of this fine young American. Thank you for the greatest sacrifice a person can ever make...you are and always will be a hero!

DERRICK BECKOM

July 19, 2009

TO THE FAMILY, BE STRONG. IT'S GOT TO BE HARD, AND MY HAERT GOES OUT TO YOU. I'M DEPLOYED IN IRAQ AT THIS TIME, AND I PRAY FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY MORE SO THAN MY OWN. IT REALLY HURT'S ME TO KNOW THAT A YOUNG SOLDIER LIKE JOSHUA IS NOT HERE WITH ANYMORE, AND TO THE MOTHER OF JOSHUA, THANK YOU FOR GOING AGAINST THE ODDS AND DOING YOUR BEST FOR JOSHUA, MY MOM WAS STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL WHEN SHE GAVE BIRTH TO ME AS WELL. TAKE CARE, GOD LOVES YOU
RIP JOSHUA

MSG DERRICK BECKOM

Melissa Gunter

July 19, 2009

To the family & friends of Joshua, I am praying for you. I pray that you have peace & comfort that only Jesus can bring. I cried for your loss, my son is in Iraq, he's a Marine. Though I do not know you, you are family through the military. I know Joshua will be missed. I thank God for brave young heroes like Joshua, he is the kind of person that has made America great. Thank you for your selfless sacrifice. May God bless you with peace. Joshua will never be forgotten.

Connie Holle

July 18, 2009

I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. I can not even imagine the pain that you must be feeling. I am so very grateful for your sons sacrifice for America. He had such a important job to watch out for his fellow soldiers. I did know your son. Both my daughter and son in law are marines who have served in Iraq both in convoys. Please except my sympathies and prays. If you have not heard of blue star, please go to their site and find them or gold star families who know what you feel because they to have lost a loved one. Once again I salute your son for his bravery and courage to do the right thing.

Green Beret Mom

July 18, 2009

My heart is one of millions that goes out to you. Every parent with a child in the military is saying a prayer tonight to bless Josh & you. When my son died in Afghanistan,it was HARD. But he made the choice to join, was happy with his decision, I had no choice but to supported it 100%. God Bless you, Josh, America.

debi watson

July 18, 2009

when i pray tonight i will thank joshua for for what he has done for us.i dont know him but i know he had to have been a great young man and a true hero.i'm so sorry for his family,my son was in iraq and maybe will go to afghanastan,i am worried but he is so proud and says well mom it's what i chose. which doesnt make it easier. i am so sorry for your loss mom, you also made a big sacrafise for our country

Mrs. Charla Sheppard

July 18, 2009

I saw an internet article about Joshua via channel KVUE.com. I want to express my thanks to Joshua and his family for their courage and selflessness. We are very proud of our young men and women who are placed in harm's way. May you find comfort and support from the Lord Jesus Christ. The only true and sure anchor I know. Ms. Farris, I was a young mom also, your labor of love was not in vain. I'm praying for you. Love in Christ's name.

July 18, 2009

Marla and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Josh died for a very honorable cause, he has my highest respect. May God comfort you.
Love
Tamera Richardson (Howard's daughter)

john gonzales

July 18, 2009

josh was a good freind . i knew hime since he was 14 .he was part of my close family of freinds. he was allways inerjetic and full of adventure . he was extremly smart and could do anything you put in front of him.im sorry i could not be there for the funeral but i have sent my motorcycle in my place ridin by his brother geoff.

Howard Farris

July 18, 2009

Marla, i am saddened by the death of Josh. i have my memories of josh when he was younger and he grew into a fine young man. i am proud that he is my great nephew. if there is anything i can do to help you just let me know.
Love, Uncle Howard

Good-bye is always the hardest...

Donna Apodaca

July 18, 2009

My most sincere condolences to the family of this young man. I am still farely new to the military family but I share your loss. I pray that God gives the family the strength to move forward and remember Joshua for the great guy he was. I didn't personally know him but reading the short article made me smile and cry. Everyone that is mourning Josh is in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless the family and God Bless America...

Colton Perez

July 18, 2009

As a Irag combat vet I tell you I am proud of the honor and sacerfice your son has accomplish for us to continue to enjoy the freedom he has provide,as
a Patriot Guard Member that escorted
Joshua from ABIA to Smithville My deepest condolences to you and your family from speaking to his cousins he was a very warm and special young man,
it was an honor to escort this young
man that touched so many people in such a short time....colton

Roy F Jr. Farris

July 18, 2009

We send our condolences to the Family of Joshua Farris. We are deeply sorry for not making the services, but our hearts are with all the family members. God Bless to all. Love Roy Farris Jr with wife Julia and Niece Holly and daughter Jayda.

GLORIA HERNANDEZ

July 17, 2009

I never new Joshua, I saw him in the newpaper, but I Salute him,for being there in Afganistan, and protecting this great country of ours. He will never be forgotten. My prayers are with his family, and friends. He is a true Patriot.

Karen Moss

July 17, 2009

God bless Josh and all our soldiers, my son served with Josh for a short time in Afghanistan. I pray for peace and understanding for the family. Rest in peace young man.
Mother of a Ft. Drum soldier

Phyllis Bartsch-Powell

July 17, 2009

May you find peace knowing that Joshua served with pride and love for his Country. The U.S.A. has encountered a great loss. I did not know him, personally. When my husband was in Iraq, I stayed glued to the t.v. just to know what was going on. Since his homecoming almost 2 years ago, I still find myself checking on the casualties. I cry every time I hear of one, especially one so young. My husband is due to be deployed again. I pray that I will have your strength during this next deployment. Please know that Joshua and your family is in my prayers.

Bill & Dorothy Robertson

July 17, 2009

We cannot thank you enough for the great sacrifice that you and your son have made on our behalf. Joshua has helped to provide the freedoms that our nation enjoys today. Know that God's timing is perfect, Ecclesiastes 3:1-2.

Joy Priest

July 17, 2009

To the Family of Joshua Farris,

I pray that God will grant you Peace in the coming days and years, knowing that there is a special place in Heaven for our Fallen Soldiers and that Life will continue for this fine young man. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. May God Bless You!


Joy Priest
Proud Mom of PFC Tina Marie Priest

carol garcia

July 17, 2009

Thank you for raising a son who wasn't scared to serve our country with everything he had. My prayers to you and your family.

mother of an iraq veteran.

Homer Lykins

July 17, 2009

Dear Marla,
Words can not express how sorry I am. I am going to miss my lil cousin.I will always cherish the memories of him when he was little and I lived there. I am so proud of the man that he grew up to be. If there is anything we can do for you just let me know. Love, Homer and Family

Gloria Davis

July 16, 2009

Marla & family - You have all my sympathy in the loss of Josh. Even as a baby and toddler he was such a delight. He had the best Mom and family to support him and raise him. I wish I had known him as a young man. Please know that if there is ever anything I can do to help, just call.
God bless you and keep you.
Love,
Gloria Davis and family

Tony Francis

July 16, 2009

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

charlissa

July 16, 2009

I am so sorry for your loss. As the proud sister of a U.S. Army solider I want to thank your son and your family for the sacrifice that he has made for the freedoms and security that we have at home every second of everyday! May God guide you through these hurtful days. lots of love from one military family to another

Amanda Gavrel

July 16, 2009

Marla, I am so sorry to hear about this. What heart breaking news when dad (Leonard Farris) told me about this... He worked hard serving this country. I would like to offer my condolences to you. You will be in my thought and prayer.... Just sick by God and he will help you through this....
Love, Amanda Farris-Gavrel

Dee Farris-Lykins

July 16, 2009

Marla,there are no words that can express my deepest sympathy.Josh was so much fun to watch,I always looked forward to his smile and his sense of humor.He is one of God chosen warrior,and I am so grateful his is one of my nephews.He truly will be missed.

Leonard Farris

July 16, 2009

Marla . I would like to offer my condolences for your loss , It deeply troubles me to hear about Joshua . There are no words that I can say that will make it better and to try would only serve to cheapen the sacrifice that was made. perhaps the assurance that your family loves you and is standing close by during this troubled times will give you the strenth to reach out to our Lord for the help and understanding of his divine plan , and even greater still knowing that the Lord will never abandoned us even in our most darkest hour he will be there the same as he was there to lead Joshua from death to life everlasting . my prayers are with you .

Leonard Farris

July 16, 2009

Marla , Im truly sorry for your loss ,and like to offer my condolences to you . I know Joshua served his country bravely and with honor . there are no words that can ease pain , but maybe knowing that your family and friends are standing with you will help bring some peace to you, and greater still the knowledge that the Lord was there to help joshua cross over from death to life eternal will give you the peace you will need for the coming days . our prayers and Love are with you .

Sara Jackson

July 16, 2009

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Aunt Sara and Dwaine, Leslie and Jessica

Bobbie and Robert Smith

July 16, 2009

Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Josh was on my husband's little league team years ago. You should be so proud of all of his accomplishments and that he served our country with such enthusiasm. Memories become so precious.

Jeri Smith

July 16, 2009

Joshua and his family will be in our prayers .... Marla i am here if you ever need or want to talk ...
We love you all
Jeri Lynne and boys

roy\ lillie farris

July 16, 2009

our prayers and heartfelt sorrow are with you. we will see you saturday. with all our love. roy and lillie farris

Kari Haskins

July 16, 2009

Rest In Peace Joshua-My thoughts and prayers are with your family! Thank you for serving our country.We all respect and honor you, thank you for sacrificing your life for the United States of America-May God be with you and your family! You will never be forgotten!

Lisa Rinehart

July 16, 2009

I am so very sorry for your loss! I worked at Smithville ISD when Joshua was in elementary school! What a sweet boy and what a great young man he turned into!
My heart goes out to all of his family and friends!
God Bless you, Joshua! God Bless our troops! God Bless Joshua's family!

Sandy Johnson

July 16, 2009

Marla: I have lots of memories of Ben and Joshua playing little league together. He will be missed by many. I'm praying for you and the rest of Joshua's family. You must be very proud of him fighting for our country.

George D'Ambrosia

July 16, 2009

To the Family of Spc. Joshua Farris,
Words can not express my heart felt feelings of sorrow during this time of loss.
I pray that God will be with you.
My son is also deployed with the 10th Mountain, he and Josh are brothers in arms. Spc. Joshua Farris, RIP brave soldier, America can NEVER repay our debt to you, we will always honor and respect and NEVER forget your sacrifice.
From the Father of a 3BCT 10th 2/87 inf soldier.

Jennifer Wilson

July 16, 2009

While I didn't know Joshua, I am deeply saddend to hear this news. I have a really good friend(from Bastrop)that is also in the 10th Mountain Division and will be deploying to Afghanistan soon. It's a scary thing to think about. My prayers are with the family. As for Joshua, thank you for everything you have done for this country.

Mary Lou O'Ferrall

July 16, 2009

God bless your son and our troops, they are all heros. May God be with you and your family.

Connie Elliott

July 16, 2009

I am from very close to Fort Drum and it breaks my heart everytime we lose someone.....May God be With you

Carla Smith

July 16, 2009

MY HEART GOES OUT TO JOSHUA AND HIS FAMILY YOU ARE ALL IN MY PRAYERS JOSHUA YOU ARE MY HERO MY HUSBAND IS ALSO IN AFGHANASTAIN AT THIS TIME I PRAY HE MAKES IT HOME GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS I LOVE YOU ALL A VERY PROUD MILITARY WIFE

Jose Calderon

July 16, 2009

You Are My Hero Also! SSG.Jose Calderon Ret. Army

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