Paul W. Farmer

Paul W. Farmer, 77, of Evansville, passed away Friday, December 13, 2013, at VNA Charlier Hospice Center. He was born July 27, 1936, in Salem, OH, to the late Clifford Y. and Ruth Ona (Baird) Farmer. He graduated from Fairfield High School, and received a BA degree in Elementary Education from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. He continued on to receive his MS degree in Curriculum from Indiana State University, as well as completing additional post-graduate work at Indiana University. Paul was married to Janice (Schmidt) Farmer on December 26, 1956; they were married almost 57 years. Ever the innovative and forward-thinking educator, Paul worked in many capacities throughout his career. He began as a devoted classroom teacher, and went on to accept a position as product manager for Science Research Associates in Chicago, IL. He was later employed as an Adjunct Professor at both Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada and the University of Southern Indiana. Ultimately, he served as an elementary school principal for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation for 25 years. He held that position at Lincoln, Stringtown, West Terrace, and Culver Elementary Schools. Paul leaves behind a legacy for the betterment of our area’s children. Paul treasured time with his family and balanced it serving tirelessly as an outstanding community volunteer. His talents benefitted numerous organizations throughout the years including, Phi Delta Kappa (President), Youth Enrichment Services (Board), Hoyleton Home (President), Evansville Council of Churches (President), United Way, Patchwork Central (President), Evansville Campus Ministry (Board), Koch Family Children’s Museum of Evansville (Interim Director), Jacob’s Village (President), Junior Achievement (Education Director), Community of Churches (President), Westside Optimist Club (President), Youth Resources, United Neighborhoods of Evansville, Vanderburgh County First Steps, Community Diversity Network, Property Tax Appeal Board, Westside Improvement Association (President), and most notably, he served on the National PTA Board of Directors for ten years. Paul was also an ordained elder at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, German Township. Ever active in the church, his mission work included two trips to Sri Lanka to work with orphaned children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Ruth (Baird) Farmer; siblings, the Reverend Dr. Clifford Farmer, Martha (Farmer) Post and Hazel Farmer; and brothers-in-law, Arnold Schmidt and Al Post. Paul is survived by his wife Janice; in-laws, Alfred and June (Schmidt) Spillman, Donna (Reynolds) Schmidt and Wilma (Fire) Farmer; sons, Terry (Denise) Farmer, Jody Farmer and Kip (Maria) Farmer; grandchildren, Jacob, Emily (Slade), Mitchell, Noah, James, Jackson, Elijah, Spence, Matthew, Wesley and Grace; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Natalie (Slade) and Theodore (Farmer); and nieces and nephews, by whom Paul was further blessed with an especially close relationship. Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Friday, December 20, 2013, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, German Township, 8701 Big Cynthiana Road, officiated by Rev. Howie Tobak. Friends may visit Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family strongly encourages memorial contributions be made to Hoyleton Children’s Home, 350 North Main Street, Hoyleton, IL 62803, St. Paul’s UCC German Township of Evansville, or one of the many local charities touched by Paul’s dedication that support local children’s interests or our neighbors in need. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.