Farrell grew up on a small, diversified, horse-powered farm. He served his country as a member of the U.S. Army and was a combat veteran of the European Theater in World War II. On September 9, 1946 he married the love of his life, Ruth Dentler. He became a member of First English Lutheran Church in 1948 where he served as a trustee and an usher.
His professional career consisted of agriculture, oil field services, and more than 30 years in the chemical industry, retiring from Union Carbide in 1983. At that time, he returned to ranching. In 1992 he was honored as the outstanding non-resident rancher by the Goliad County Soil and Water Conservation District. His passion for hunting and fishing was shared with family and friends.
Farrell is survived by his wife of 71 years, Ruth Heller; son James F. Heller of Lake Jackson, Texas; daughter Marilyn Scherer and husband Melvin Scherer, Jr. of Meyersville, Texas; grandson Melvin Scherer, III (Trey) and wife Mona of Brenham, Texas; grandson Matthew Scherer and wife Kristen of Prosper, Texas; five great-grandsons: Raleigh, Caeden, Benjamin Colt, Cannon, and Barrett Scherer; sister Della Mae Rush and husband Carl V. Rush, Sr. of Stafford, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law, Sarah P. Heller.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 10 from 5-7 PM at Rosewood Funeral Chapels. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 2:00 PM at First English Lutheran Church with Rev. Jim Pearson officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery with a flag folding ceremony under the auspices of the Victoria Veterans Council.
Pallbearers are Trey Scherer, Matthew Scherer, Raleigh Scherer, Caeden Scherer, Carl Rush, Jr. and Russell Rush.
A special thank you to the staff at Sodalis and Kindred Hospice for their tender and loving care.
For those wishing, memorial donations may be made to First English Lutheran Church or the Coastal Conservation Association.
Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.rosewoodfuneralchapel.com.
