Paul James Farmer

Paul James Farmer peacefully slipped away into the arms of his loving savior on Feb. 16, 2012. His passing leaves a hole in our hearts but his memory remains bright and alive. His family members and friends will miss him.

Paul was born on Dec. 26, 1920 in Pocahontas, Va., to Carrie and James Farmer. He met his wife Thelma at an old fashioned tent meeting. They were married on Dec. 26, 1940 in Snowville, Va., and recently celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary. Paul honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War II and loved to share those experiences, especially about driving the amphibious “DUCK.”

The family moved to Oroville in June 1947 where he and Thelma lived for over 60 years. They loved this small community and their many friends and associations there. In September 2007 Paul and Thelma moved to the East Wenatchee Assisted Living in East Wenatchee, Wash.

Paul worked for over 53 years as a mechanic in the apple industry, most of those with the Valley Evaporating Company and later with Gold Digger where he finally retired at the age of 80. He was known to all as an extremely conscientious, dedicated and hard worker who could absolutely repair anything. His work ethic was certainly an example to his children and grandchildren.

Paul was a member of the Pentecostal Church of God in Oroville. He loved to worship, served as a Deacon and especially enjoyed playing the guitar with the church musical group. As he battled kidney failure in recent years, his courage and uncomplaining attitude served as an inspiration to all of us.

He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 71 years, Thelma Farmer of East Wenatchee, Wash.; children Mari Riggan (Dewayne), Brush Prairie, Wash., Nancy Riel (Harley), Sunnyside, Wash., Don Farmer (Carol), Richland, Wash.; daughter-in-law, Judy Farmer, East Wenatchee, Wash.; grandchildren Monica Riggan, Jerry Keeney (Jacquie), Darren Farmer, Kristin Churnside (Adam), Jeff Farmer, Tammy Wallin (Kurt), Tom Riel (Ana); sisters: Madeline “Tunie” Noel (Victor) and Frances Day (Jerry) and brother, Robert Farmer. He is also survived by nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Larry Farmer; grandson, Troy Riel; sisters Sara “Elizabeth” Eshom and Mattie Lee (Effie) Hill; and brothers: Frank Farmer and Charlie Farmer.

A memorial service for Paul Farmer will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2012 at 1:30 p.m. at the Pentecostal Church of God, 1012 Fir Street, Oroville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Central Washington Hospital Foundation-Dialysis Unit – http://www.cwhs.com/foundation/default.aspx (Select “dialysis” drop down tab).

Express your thoughts and memories in the online guest book at http://www.telfordschapel.com.