Merlin Farrar

Merlin Keith Farrar was born to Forrest W. and Mattie L. Farrar, Sept. 29, 1927 in Hugoton, Kan. On Sept. 8, 1945, Keith married the love of his life, Billie Clement, in Long Beach, Calif. and they had 71 beautiful years together. During Keith’s time in the Navy, they resided in Virginia and California but returned to Hugoton to settle down with their family. The couple raised two sons, Vance Lee and Gary William. We know that when Keith left this life on May 3, 2017, he was greeted in Heaven by both his Savior and his bride, Billie.
Keith worked the family farm west of Hugoton his entire life with both his father, brother and sons. The family grew everything from wheat to soybeans to hydroponic tomatoes to chinchillas. Keith was also an accomplished carpenter and family members still use many of his creations decades later. When his eldest son, Vance, returned to the farm, Keith pursued another interest: public service. He served as state representative for Southwest Kansas 12 years and spent an additional eight years on the State Board of Tax Appeals.
He was also a member of the United Methodist Church of Hugoton for over six decades where he sang regularly with both the choir and a men’s trio. He and Billie round danced for many years and danced all over the world including on top of the Great Wall of China. The couple also relished their time in South Texas every winter with other snowbirds and round dancers. Keith loved piloting small aircraft which led to many adventures for his family. He enjoyed studying the stars and built telescopes and even his own observatory at the age of 74.
Keith was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Farrar, his parents; his brother, Walter; and his sister, Dorthea.
He is survived by his sons, Vance Farrar and his wife, Bobbie of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Gary Farrar of Kansas City, Mo.; four granddaughters, Lisa Farrar Wellman of Austin, Texas, Jody Farrar of San Francisco, Calif.; Summer Farrar of Kansas City, Mo.; Susie Farrar of Seal Rock, Ore. and one grandson, Eric Farrar of Augusta, Kan., and six great-grandchildren: Alex, Katie, Reagan, Paige, Avery and Harrison.
Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on May 10, 2017 at the Hugoton United Methodist Church with Rev. Becky Davidson officiating. Burial will follow at Hugoton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to Pikes Peak Palliative and Hospice Care of Colorado Springs; United Methodist Church of Hugoton, Kan. in care of Pauls-Robson Funeral Home.
Friends may call Tuesday 10AM to 8PM at Paul’s-Robson Funeral Home, Hugoton.