William Putnam Farnham

Lt. Col. William Putnam Farnham, 96, of Tampa, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026. He will be interned at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, with full military honors. It is a small, private service with only immediate family and long-time friends attending.

Lt. Col. Farnham graduated from Dartmouth College in 1951. Shortly after graduation, he joined the US Air Force. During his 21-year career in the USAF, he did what he loved most – flying. And, he did it exceptionally well.

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross four times; the Air Medal for the 272 missions flown in Vietnam; the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service as a Squadron Officer in Vietnam; the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Bronze Star for deeds of valor or heroic conduct while in combat with enemy; and the Meritorious Service Medal for his instructional excellence in successful military and technical training at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi.

Some of his notable assignments included a tour of duty in Greenland, pilot training instruction in Waco, serving in Vietnam, followed by a joint Army / Air Force effort in Bangkok. He returned to Biloxi in 1972 to serve out his commission and moved with his family to Tampa in 1973.

Upon settling in Tampa, Lt. Col. Farnham (Retired) focused on his family, worked in real estate, and continued his passion for flying as well as his love of music. He learned the clarinet and saxophone as a young man and played in several bands during his youth. Later in life, he took up piano and enjoyed playing ‘old standards’ and learning new pieces.

Lt. Col. Farnham (Retired) purchased a private aircraft and took immense pleasure in the many hours of flight in it until he was 90. In 2020, the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration presented him with The Wright Brothers “Master Pilot” Award to recognize his 50 years of Dedicated Service in Aviation Safety.

Lt. Col. Farnham (Retired) was distinguished by his integrity and unwavering dedication in his career and personal life. His friends and family honor his memory and cherish the times spent with him.

Survivors include his wife, Chakriya; three sons, Lawrence, Mark, and Bo; two daughters, Shawn and Shelley; ten grandchildren, Bo J, Shannon, Alexandra, Johnny, Kellen, Delanie, Kira, Leyna, John, and Matthew; and nine great-grandchildren.

Flowers or donations are not requested or necessary.