John Alton Farmer

John Alton Farmer, age 69 of Warren, died Sunday, October 20, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 23, 1950 in Copper Hill, Tennessee, son of the late William and the late Ruth (nee: Brooks) Farmer.

Born in the hills of Tennessee, John would eventually tag along when his family decided to move north to the Mitten State. Now calling Michigan their new home, John managed to assimilate quite well to his new surroundings and became a proud and devout Michigander in the process. Of course, part of that assimilating meant becoming acquainted with the local sporting fare and getting to know just what the sports scene was all about up here with us Yankees. John was a huge lover of sports, so he poured himself into all that Michigan had to offer,…and in the process became one of the most dedicated and committed fans for everything relative to his “Sports in the D.” Lions, and Tigers, and Wings,…Oh My!...he loved ‘em all!

When it comes to the little “treasures” in life, we all possess a different eye and perspective on their value,…and some of us become collectors, just like John. It wasn’t merely one genre that captured his attention, but several over the years as he accumulated quite the treasure trove of momentos and memorabilia to enjoy. If you were to consider a list of John’s favorite pastimes, collecting would have surely been near the top of the heap.

John was quite an industrious person as well, as evidenced through the many DIY projects that filled his time away from the job. Equipped to tackle most anything he put his mind to, John loved to tinker and pour himself into the many home improvement tasks that cropped up from time to time,…or simply those projects he would often dream about accomplishing. He was also big on repairing things and wore that title of “Mr. Fix-It” quite proudly. Being handy and knowledgeable were a huge help, and John never hired a repairman to do the work that he was able. In quite the unofficial capacity, John was a Handyman Extraordinaire!

Being the holder of a PhD, John’s mind was always churning, calculating, and dreaming. If the adage is true that “necessity is the mother of invention,” then John must have found that to be true as he was forever seeking to meet a need and make a difference as the “serial entrepreneur” that everyone knew him to be. John will also be remembered for his love of animals, especially the “equine” of the species. A one-time ranch owner, he spent some time breeding horses and helping to further the “hoof prints” upon our lives, and planet.

John was also hugely devoted to his faith and his Lord. Striving always to be close to God, he had the heart of a servant and never shied away from sharing it with others. His faith was real, it bolstered his spirit, and it guided his path towards righteousness for His namesake. Yet for as deep and abiding as was his faith and love for the church, the adoration John held for his precious loved ones and family reigned supreme. His family was God’s greatest gift in his life, and he never took that for granted. Always humble, always mindful, John was truly a loving husband, father and grandfather who leaves behind a wonderful legacy of love and care that is sure to be embraced with each reflection shared. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.     

John was the beloved husband of Belle. Dearest father of Pastor Michael (Amy) Farmer, Matthew Farmer, and Melinda Farmer. Loving grandfather of Lucas, Abbie, and Brooke. Brother of the late William Farmer, and also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

John will lie in state on Wednesday, October 23rd from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Covenant Baptist Church in Troy, 38505 Dequindre Road, 48083.

His Funeral Services will immediately follow, to be officiated by his son, Pastor Michael Farmer. Burial will take place at Christian Memorial Cultural Center in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers & in memory of John, memorial donations are welcomed to the church.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan. 

Please share memories of John at his guest book below.