Melvin "Pop" Jerome Farmer

He was born on April 17, 1941, to Gladys Irene (Taylor) and John Melvin Farmer. Mel attended Ribault High School and graduated in 1960. He joined the Naval Reserves where he served two years. He spent several years of service between the Green Cove Springs Police Department, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and the Florida Highway Patrol. Mel was a loyal employee of Delta Airlines, where he spent 25 years before retiring. He also volunteered with the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary where he retired as a Captain after almost 30 years of service.

He married Mary Phyllis (Perez) 53 years ago on October 24, 1969. He was a devoted husband, caring father, and loving "Pop". Mel is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Ivie Rogers and Bonnie Bryant, as well as his beloved little chihuahua, Rudy, who was arguably his favorite child. He is survived by his wife, Mary Phyllis Farmer; Children, Michele Farmer (Michelle) and Melanie Johnson (Kevin); as well as his Granddaughter, Meagan Johnson (Chase); and many beloved friends and extended family.

In life, he was passionate about genealogy and reconnecting with distant family. He loved woodworking and would always be willing to build a shelf or knick knack. He was a western movie and history buff and would always quiz his family about random historical events. But most importantly, he had a massive soft spot for children. He adopted quite a few honorary grandkids along the way.

A memorial service to celebrate Mel's life will be held at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, Florida 32205 on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at 1:00 pm. The family will receive friends one hour prior beginning at noon at the funeral home.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Farmer family.