Billy Ray (Bill) Farmer, 86, of New Palestine, formerly of Morristown, passed away Friday, January 5, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Heart Center in Carmel.
He was born October 24, 1937, in Taylor County, Kentucky, the son of Damon and Lettie (Richerson) Farmer. On May 12, 1961, he married his wife of 62 years, Sandra Sue Keffaber, and she survives.
In addition to Sue, Bill is survived by his sons, Troy Farmer of Indianapolis and Trent Farmer of New Palestine; daughter, Natalie Gavin and husband, Jim, of Indianapolis; brother, Jack Farmer and wife, Barb, of Winter Haven, Florida; sister, Donna Tippy of Worthington; grandchildren, Jordan Johnson and husband, Bobby, Austin Farmer and wife, Danielle, Carson Gavin and Raeann Gavin; great-grandchildren, Hallie, Sadie, Crosby, Avery, and Demi Farmer, and Lettie Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents.
He was a devoted and very active member of the Morristown Christian Church, where he served as an elder for over 40 years. Bill also served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and past treasurer at the church. He assisted with many funerals throughout the years and was asked by numerous people to officiate their funeral. His response was always, “On one condition. You have to go before me.”
In 1955, Bill graduated from Morristown High School, and he attended Purdue University.
Bill was a U.S. Army veteran, serving from 1960 to 1962.
He retired in 1997, as an auditor for CountryMark Co-Op, with 26 years of service. He continued tax preparation and consulting throughout his retirement.
Bill was also a member of the Sugar Creek Masonic Lodge No. 279 F&AM, and a past master of the Morristown Masonic Lodge No. 193 F&AM. He was an honorary member of the Shelby Masonic Lodge No. 28 F&AM and New Palestine Lodge No. 404 F&AM.
He enjoyed playing golf and fishing. Bill also enjoyed watching the Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Dodgers, but his favorite team was the Purdue Boilermakers.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7:30 pm, Tuesday, January 9, 2024, and from 10 to 11 am, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Morristown Christian Church, 209 S. Washington St. in Morristown. Masonic services will be at 7:30 pm, Tuesday, at the church.
Funeral services will be at 11 am, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the church, with Pastors Fred Hickman and Jim Coyle officiating.
Interment will be at Asbury Cemetery in Morristown.
Services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 124 E. North St. in Morristown.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Morristown Christian Church.
Online condolences may be shared with Bill’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
