Dr. John Farrell

Dr. John Farrell was killed in a traffic accident near his home in Wetumpka, AL. He was born in Portland, Oregon, the fourth child of Fred and Jean Farrell. John excelled as a student and athlete, playing varsity football and running track. He graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1980 and became an officer and pilot, flying C-130s in Asia and the U.S. for 24 years.

John met his wife, Liberty (Libay) Galang in the Philippines, where they married in 1984. They had a daughter, Joanna Rae, in 1987. As a military family they moved often, living on or near bases in The Philippines, Tokyo, Hawaii, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas and Alabama. Wherever they moved, they made friends quickly and their home was often filled with Americans and Filipinos enjoying great food and karaoke.

John and Libay traveled to visit family and friends and explore historic and natural sites throughout the U.S. and Asia. After Joanna graduated from the University of Portland in 2009, they visited her in Kyrgyzstan, where she served in the Peace Corp for three years.

When he wasn’t flying, John was a student, teacher and scholar of military history and Asian studies. He received his master’s degree from the University of the Philippines and earned his Doctorate from the University of Southern California. He served two tours as an associate professor at the Air Force Academy. John retired from the Air Force in 2004 in Little Rock, AR. After retirement he taught at New Mexico Military Institute and was an Associate Professor at Squadron Officers College at Maxwell Air Force Base at the time of his death.

John is survived by his wife Libay and daughter Joanna of Wetumpka; three sisters: Jo Ann Farrell (Bob Gaido), Janet Farrell (Len Walker), Patty Farrell (Bob Watkins); two brothers: Bill Farrell and Tom (Anne) Farrell; one niece, Libby Watkins, and two nephews, David Preston and Will Watkins.

Visitation will be on Sunday, November 3, 2013, from 3 – 5 p.m. at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be at St. Bede the Venerable Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 4, 2013. Burial will follow at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, AL, at 2:45 p.m. Family and friends will reassemble at the cemetery.