Gary Russell Farmer

A Hoosier-born gentleman truly outstanding in his field for 82 years, Gary Russell Farmer experienced the ultimate healing and passed into God’s keeping with fearless courage and grace after an unexpected brief illness on Saturday, June 20, 2026. He was pleased to be surrounded by his beloved wife and children as the Lord called him home.

As a man of faith, integrity, and honor, Gary never met a stranger. Neighbors, colleagues, classmates, public servants, and even random passing encounters of folks with whom he crossed paths were all greeted and touched by his warmth, humor, compassion and old-school down-to-earth hospitality. He had an exceptional talent for connecting and listening to people from all walks of life with unwavering respect.

A resident of Williamsburg, VA, for nearly 40 years, Gary was born in Princeton, IN, on February 26, 1944, to the late Russell Farmer Jr. and Joyce Eileen (Sinkhorn). He was raised in Somerville, IN, and graduated in 1962 from Mackey High School. He then studied at the University of Evansville before serving in the United States Air Force in Guam, Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam, earning the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1966.

Gary met and married the love of his life that same year, Shara Jean (Milligan), daughter of the late John D. Milligan and E. Catherine (Ruddell). They settled in Evansville, IN, where they began to raise a family and Gary began a 35-year-long career with the US Postal Service, culminating in his service as Postmaster in Williamsburg and Norge, VA. He also served as president of the National League of Postmasters.

Gary loved to fish and birdwatch, and he enjoyed traveling and gardening with his wife. Their dog, Monica, leaped for joy whenever he uttered the words, “Time for a walk!” and “Belly rubs!” He was an avid reader, music and film enthusiast, and he was an active veteran with leadership positions in the DAV (in which he was a Commander for five years), the VFW, and the American Legion. Along with his wife, Gary served as an elder at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Williamsburg.

In addition to his wife, Shara, Gary is mourned by his sisters Ann Wilkison of Buckskin, IN, Kathy Wilson of Corydon, IN, and their spouses Danny and Steve, respectively; his son Gregory R. Farmer and Greg’s husband Gregory White of Richmond, VA; his daughter Stephanie C. Smith and her husband Scott of Mechanicsville, VA; grandsons Reilly Smith, John, and Russell DiMiceli and Russ’ wife Sarah of Fairfax County, VA. He is also loved and missed by many nieces and nephews. Gary was also preceded in death by his brothers Carl and Joe Bill Farmer.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, VA, with a reception immediately following the service. The service will be livestreamed by King of Glory Lutheran Church on their Facebook page and YouTube channel. Gary’s ashes will be interred with military honors at the Virginia Veterans Ceremony at Amelia Court House, VA, that afternoon at 2 p.m. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.