Frank Farmer

FARMER, IRA FRANKLIN Known as "Frank," of Birmingham, age 87, went to be with the Lord on March 5. Born January 27, 1925 in Santuck, Alabama in Elmore County, Frank moved to Clanton as a youth. A World War II vet, Frank was honorably discharged in fall 1945 as a Staff Sergeant - 741st Squadron, 455th Bombardment Group, Army Air Forces. While overseas, he served as an airplane engine mechanic and crew chief, and proudly worked on the B-24s. He earned the Good Conduct Medal and European- African-Middle Eastern Service Medal; Distinguished Unit Badge, HQ 15th, AF 44. In 1948, he married Deane Farmer, and they enjoyed almost 50 years together and raised two children. He worked for US Steel for over 35 years, as a supervisor and was part of the key QBOP team. After his retirement, he worked as a consultant for other industrial companies. Frank also owned and operated Instrument Repair Service repairing radios and TVs. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW); the American Legion; and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). A member of Valleydale Baptist Church where he was active in his men's Sunday School Class, he was previously a long-time member of Vinesville Baptist Church. He enjoyed his Bible Study class at the Shelby County Seniors Center. A Mason for more than 50 years, he was also a longtime member of the Civitan. He is survived by his son Terry Franklin Farmer; his daughter Joy Lynn Farmer Dunlap, and his son-in-law Charlie Dunlap; as well as his sisters Loretta Veasey, Dotteen Reed, Waverlyn Shaneyfelt and his brother Shirley Farmer. He is predeceased by his daughter-in-law Lisa Farmer; his sisters Margaret Looney, Josephine Posey, Effie Mae Cox, Deason Farmer, and his brother John Farmer. He has joined in heaven his beloved wife Deane Farmer. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. on Friday, March 9 at Southern Heritage Funeral Home with the celebration of Frank Farmer's life at 2 p.m. Burial ceremony will follow. Memorial gifts may be made in honor of Frank Farmer to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) at dav.org