Roger Preston Farrar

Roger was born on August 19, 1944, in Winchester, Massachusetts to George and Virginia Farrar. He spent his younger years in Massachusetts and cherished summers at the family’s beloved beach home in Pine Point, Maine, that the Farrars still enjoy.

Roger attended Andover Academy for high school, where he stood out as a gifted athlete. He excelled in lacrosse, hockey, and football and continued his athletic pursuits at the collegiate level at Tufts University where he played football and lacrosse. He was an All-American Lacrosse Midfielder for Tufts in 1966 and 1967. Roger graduated with a bachelor's degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. He later earned a doctorate in Exercise Physiology from the University of Massachusetts. It was during his time at UMass that he met the love of his life, Karen Joeschke.

Roger and Karen married in May 1973 and went on to build a beautiful life for the 52 years they had together. In 1976, after their first child, Emily, was born, they moved to Austin, Texas, where they welcomed three more children; Kathryn, Daniel and Elizabeth. Roger started teaching at the University of Texas. He enjoyed a 42-year career as a professor of Exercise Physiology and Human Anatomy. He approached his teaching and research there with deep passion and with a calling he took beyond the classroom. His mentorship left a lasting impact on many generations of graduate students and colleagues. The Farrars enjoyed welcoming students into their home for dinners, holidays, and lengthy stays. Many of these students become lifelong friends.

Roger loved his work, but he was first and foremost a family man. Roger’s priority above all else was leading his family in their relationship with the Lord. He was constantly present in the children’s lives, rarely missing their events or games. He was the champion of the family and never left any doubt whose side he was on.

He was known for his dry humor, clever wit, and light-hearted songs and jokes that often filled their home. His favorite things were being together with his family in Maine, being on the ocean in his boat, watching his kids and grandkids play sports, traveling and dates with Karen, drawn-out debates about anything and bragging on other people about their achievements. He was a giant of a man to the people who knew him best.

Above all else, to know Roger was to know that he loved Jesus. He committed his life to the Lord at an early age and faithfully walked with Him all the days of his life. His wisdom, compassion, mercy, joy, and sense of justice came from his relationship with his Savior. He would tell you that you can also have that hope in Jesus.

Roger is survived by his loving wife, Karen of Austin, TX, and their four children: Emily Schulz of Austin, TX; Kathryn (Andy) Rouse of Austin, TX; Daniel (Liz) Farrar of Charlotte, NC; and Elizabeth (Taylor) Guess of Austin, TX. He was a proud and adoring grandfather to 13 grandchildren: Caroline, Lucy, Preston, and Drew Schulz; Noah and Elyse Rouse; Charlie, Katie, Frances, and Virginia Farrar; Campbell, Davis, and Olive Guess. He is also survived by his brother, Norman Farrar of Theodore, AL, and nieces and nephew: Heidi Caulder, Kristen Brown, and David Farrar.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Virginia Farrar, and his sister-in-law, Sandy Farrar.

A memorial service for Roger will be held at Austin Stone Community Church Northwest Campus, N. FM 620, Austin, Texas 78726 on Thursday, June 5th at 2 PM.