Charles Gean Farmer

Chuck died Tuesday morning at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 82 years, 4 months and 24 days. Charles Gean Farmer, son of Thomas Birthel and Florence Elizabeth Smith Farmer, was born, October 26, 1930, in Newton, Iowa. The family moved to the Eddyville area when he was a young child and Chuck attended school in Eddyville. Chuck was drafted in 1951; he served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War and was discharged in 1953. While in the service, Chuck married the love-of-his life, Lois Johnetta Mitrisin, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oskaloosa. Chuck and Lois settled in the Eddyville area and Chuck began working for John Morrell and Company Meat Packing Plant in Ottumwa, a career that spanned 25 years. After Morrell’s closed in 1973, Chuck went to work for John Deere Manufacturing in Ottumwa, and after 15 years retired in 1995. In May 2012, Chuck and Lois moved to Ankeny to be closer to their family. Chuck was an avid sports fan and all through his life he enjoyed watching his son’s and grandchildren’s sporting events as well as the Iowa Hawkeye’s events. Chuck was a member of the J.L. & Ed Linderman American Legion Post #418 in Eddyville. Chuck’s family includes his wife of 60 years, Lois of Ankeny; a son, Barry (Shelley) Farmer of Ankeny; grandchildren: Amy (Deb) Shannon of Burlington and Andrew (Lindsay) Farmer of Ankeny; three great-grandchildren: Sidnee Farmer, Grace Shannon and Ayla Farmer; and a brother, Bert (Nellie) Farmer of Knoxville. In addition to his parents, Chuck was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Andrew Lindsay Farmer; and a brother, Jack Fry. Funeral services for Chuck will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, March 22, 2013, at Garland-Van Arkel-Langkamp Funeral Chapel with Pastor Todd Stiles of the First Family Church of Ankeny officiating. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery with Military Honors by the Oskaloosa Honor Guard. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., Thursday at the funeral chapel. The family will be present from 4-6 p.m. to greet visitors. Memorials may be made to the J.L. & Ed Linderman American Legion Post #418 in Eddyville. PDF Printable Version

Charles Gean Farmer

October 26, 1930 - March 19, 2013