April 19, 1929 – May 10, 2023
Charles Lewis Farmer, age 94, of Carrollton, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.
He was born on April 19, 1929, in Higginsville, Mo., the son of John Raymond and Ruth Ella (Scott) Farmer. His teenage years at Higginsville High School were filled with the sounds of music, and his Boy Scout sash was adorned with Bronze, Silver, and Gold palms as he worked his way up to an Eagle Scout. In high school, he worked at the Davis Theater and as a letter carrier for the Post Office. Charles met Marilyn Thee as a teenager in Higginsville and married in 1950. They celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary on Dec. 27, 2022, and remained at each other’s side until his death.
Charles attended Central Missouri State College where he studied music and art. In 1950, he was hired as a music teacher in Windsor, Mo.
In 1951, he heeded the call of country during the Korean Conflict and joined the Navy. He served aboard the minesweeper U.S.S. Dextrous and then the aircraft carrier U.S.S Coral Sea. In 1955, he was discharged with the rank of Musician First Class and returned to college to complete his Bachelor of Music Education Degree.
The Carrollton chapter of his life began in 1958 when he became the Instrumental Music Director for Carrollton Public Schools. During this time, he composed the Carrollton High School fight song “CHS.” After nine years in that role and having completed his Master’s Degree in Education, he became the Director of Elementary Education. He retired in 1986 after 19 years of compassionate leadership. Retirement gave him the opportunity to concentrate on his love for music and photography. He converted the two-car garage into a photography darkroom, where he restored old photos back to their original glory, created passports, photographed numerous family and school reunions, and other special occasions.
As a long-time member of the Carrollton United Methodist Church, he served as Choir Director for many years and often played the piccolo or flute for many services and special occasions. His Christmas Eve candlelight serenade of Gesú Bambino was a particular favorite. He also performed with the Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra for 37 years and especially loved donning his tuxedo for solo performances.
Charles will be remembered as a loving husband, a gentle father, and a doting grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed astronomy, model airplanes, collecting coins, and painting with charcoal, and graphite. His love for music, art, and conversation will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Charles is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of the home; three children, Debbie Skahan and husband Steve of Blue Springs, Mo., Kevin Farmer and wife Sandra of Edmond, Okla., and Lisa Hecker and husband Danny of Chillicothe, Mo.; six grandchildren, Erin Skahan (Massimilano) of Tuscany, Italy, Marc Skahan (Angela) of Lees Summit, Mo., Kelly Skahan of Blue Springs, Mo., Samantha Fountain (Gabriel) of Yukon, Okla., Andrew Farmer of Sun Prairie, Wisc., and Sarah Shoberg (Colin) of Independence, Mo.; one great-grandson, Oliver William Skahan; and one great-grandson and one great-granddaughter due this year.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ruth Farmer; and two brothers, Kenneth Wayne Farmer in infancy, and John R. Farmer Jr.
The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Bittiker Funeral Home, 1201 North 65 Highway, Carrollton, MO.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, May 19, 2023, at the Carrollton United Methodist Church, with Reverend Poese Vatakini officiating.
We will be led in procession by the Patriot Guard Riders and the Warriors Watch Riders to the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, in Higginsville, where Military Honors will be provided by Pence-Lovell-England Post # 1773 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the United States Navy.
If you would like to make a memorial contribution, please consider the Carrollton United Methodist Church, the Marshall Philharmonic Orchestra, or the Charles Farmer Music Scholarship, in care of 1973 Alumni. They may be left at or mailed to Bittiker Funeral Home, P.O. Box 223, Carrollton, MO 64633.
Please share your condolences with the family by visiting www.bittikerfuneralhomes.com and click on the obituaries link.
