David Lee Farren
July 24, 2016
David Lee Farren, 70, was born May 29, 1946, the son of Merl and Frances Farren in Des Moines, Iowa. He passed away at Taylor House on July 24, 2016, after a courageous two year battle with lung cancer.
Dave had a passion for racing, building hotrods and the checkered flag. He was a two time IMCA National Champion, multiple track champion in addition to over 300 feature wins. Dave could make anything out of anything and was proud to be a lifetime Eastsider. He adored his grandchildren and spending time with them.
Dave is survived by his wife of 35 years, Peggy Farren; sons, David D. Farren (Jolynne), Jim Gannon, Jr. (Kim), Tim Gannon (Ronnette); brother, Dean Farren (Pam) and their two daughters; grandchildren, Colby, Samantha, Montie, Tanner, Terrin, Marcie, Chad; great-grandchildren, Jozlynne, Sierra, Fox, and Violet. He was preceded in death by his parents, Merl and Frances Farren; and Mammy and Pappy Kooker.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, July 30, 2016, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines. The family will receive visitors Friday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. In honor of Dave’s favorite color, please wear purple.
The family would like to say a special thanks to Dr. Dan Buroker and his staff for their support, and to all of the staff at Taylor House.
Memorial contributions may be made to his wife in loving memory of David.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Guy/Carleen Freeman
07/30/2016
Sorry for your loss our thoughts are with all of Dave's family during this time of difficulty. Always loved watching and cheering him on when he was racing.
Joe Buxton
07/30/2016
Peg, My heat is heavy and sad. Though I haven't known Dave for decades, I still feel like I have, he was and is a part of my life's road trip that has made it great. He always had time to talk even when he was working, and always made me feel welcome and glad I stopped over. We lost a true friend on our cruises but on our final garage run, he will have the grill hot sitting in his chair under the pop up waiting for all of us to show up. My prayers and thoughts are with you Peg and the kids and grandkids.
Robin & Drew Merrifield
07/29/2016
Peggy,
Drew and I are very sorry to hear of the loss of Dave. Our thoughts are prayers are with you and the family. Please know we are thinking of you at this time. Take care my friend. Hugs and much love to you all.
John D. Herndon
07/29/2016
I stopped by Dave's house here within the last month or two. I got Dave to come to the door, and I just wanted to say Hi and to see how he was doing. You know he couldn't remember me, but you know it's only been 50 years since high school . Dave said he knew a Ken Herndon, and I told him that he was my brother. He showed me his old street rod that was in the garage and it was sure a beauty. Loved that paint job.! You could tell he was pretty proud of it ! He will deeply missed by all who knew him , I am so glad I stopped. Peggy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family.
Don & Missy Mills
07/27/2016
So sorry for your loss Dave was one of the good guys, I never heard 1 bad thing said about him. If you were a racer( old school) before Jr Motorsports,Karl's etc you have been to that little shop were magic was made. Dave never turned anyone away Dave will be a great loss to racing but especially to his Family. RIP Dave
C. Bishop
07/26/2016
During my 12th summer, i spent a lot of time at the Fair Grounds to watch the races. It was what we did on the weekends. I had my first crush on Dave along with most of tbe other 12 year old girls there. He treated us with kindness always. I know my family kept in touch with him over the years, and his loss is deeply felt. Davey, I am so sorry for your loss. Peggy and sons..Truly sorry for your loss as well.
Matt Woodhall
07/26/2016
When I was twelve years old, my dad let me build my first motor I ever built. I spent all day putting this bad boy together. With help from my dad with the torque wrench, and other tips. I ended up buidling a monster. We went to boone speedway to watch my motor go. This bad ass named Dave Farren in a white and purple number 3F drove it to victory. He came up to my dad to thank him. My dad replied don't thank me thank my son. He looked at me in shock, but shook my hand. He was one of my favorite dirt track racers ever. I use to walk in to his trailer to say hi. He would always ask if I was lost lol. RIP Dave, you will be missed.
Michelle Coleman
07/26/2016
My thoughts and prayers are with you on this very tough day. He will be missed by all who knew him. May you rest in peace Dave.
Brenda Kelley
07/25/2016
Peggy my deepest condolences and prayers to you and your family . Love you my wad sister
Dave Pinckney
07/25/2016
RIP Dave. As a young man I knew Dave from Friskys drive in this was in the early days of his racing career God bless the family and prayers headed your way
Ted Swartslander #55
07/25/2016
I have raced with many drivers. I can say that Dave was the most impressive guy I have ever known or raced with. He will be missed by all of us. See you on the other side Dave.
"LIFE" Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming. "WOW--WHAT A RIDE!!"
Dennis Boots
07/25/2016
Peggy and family
Sorry to hear of your loss wish I could have known Dave better what time I did he seemed to be a great and handy person. He will be missed by all. My thoughts are with you may he lay in peace.
There will be along struggle ahead remember you have friends, family and Car Club Members to help you thru the tough times.
Purple Power
Joel Miller
07/25/2016
i remember dave on tichenor he had a 49 ford he built it was sharp he was a good body man rest in peace joel miller
Gary and Sandy Pullen
07/25/2016
Peggy were so sorry for your loss. It was great knowing Dave, we wish we would have met him years ago. I ready enjoyed watching him build the hot rods, taking a piece of rusted metal and creating a beautiful hot rod. He will be missed by all that knew him. Our prayers and thoughts goes out to you and your family.
Shelly Plude-Rogoff
07/25/2016
My thoughts are with you Peggy and family on this very hard day. Dave was a wonderful, kind, caring man. I will cherish the memories I have of him as I know you will to. I am so sorry for your loss. May you rest in peace Dave.