Robert W. Farrar I
February 16, 2010
Robert Wayne Farrar was born May 14, 1942, the son the Foster Wayne Farrar and LaVonne Doris Kaltenheuser and grew up in Vandalia, Iowa. At 6’ 8 1/2” and 360 lbs, he was affectionately known as “Tiny” in his younger years, playing football for his high school in Prairie City.
Robert married Sharon Sue Lineback on March 9, 1968 in Des Moines, Iowa. Their wedding shower was held at the Old Vandalia Schoolhouse near the family home. Theirs has been a happy and loving home raising their two children Robert II and Dannette.
Bob was eminently generous with his time, talents and love; more than willing to lend a hand or a sage bit of advice. Bob loved to talk; family, friends, absolutely strangers, it matter not. He was tickled to make your acquaintance, would listen intently and fast become your friend. He was well known for “holding court” on his front porch where he’d sit in the sun and watch over his neighborhood. On most occasions, neighbors and friends would arrive one by one and together they would while away a pleasant evening in conversation.
Dad provided for his family as a master mechanic and loved cars, trains, old machinery and tools and as such, was an avid fan of car races and the Old Threshers Reunion held in Mt. Pleasant each year. He also loved working with wood. Most recently he was enjoying building bird feeders and whirligigs, many of which line the fences at his home.
Robert loved to fish and going for drives, but most of all, loved his garden tractor, insisting on keeping his lawn frequently mowed. Not one to let winter keep him from enjoying riding on his tractor, the snow filled months would find him plowing the snow from a majority of the back yard, because, as he would say, “the dog needed somewhere to run”.
This past summer, Bob and Sharon’s dog, Lucky, of many years, passed away, but dog lover that he is, Bob could not be without a canine companion for long. Thusly, they recently adopted a Beagle named Jesse. Bob was overheard to be lamenting the fact that he had not found himself a “lapdog” to keep him company in his easy chair. But no sooner than he had said it, Jesse jumped up in his lap, nestled between his legs and made himself right at home.
It was during a trip to the vet looking after Jesse’s welfare that the Lord called Robert home to glory. Bob had definitely enjoyed the past few weeks with his new found pal. But Jesse has made it clear that he is Mom’s dog. God was looking out for our family and for Mom when He brought Jesse into the family as he will be a treasured companion for Sharon during this time of transition.
Robert’s faith assured him of his final home with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and it is in this same faith and hope that his family finds solace.
Robert is survived by his wife Sharon, son, Robert Wayne Farrar II and his wife Stephanie Farrar, daughter, Dannette Lautenbach and her husband, Russ Lautenbach, sisters; Larene Frazier and Shirley Orndorff as well as many loving relatives and close friends.
Interment will take place later this spring at the Vandalia Cemetery when Robert is laid beside three generations of his fathers before him.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the family.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com