Dr. Gilbert Alfred Farmer, 92, passed away Thursday morning, February 28, 2019, at the Lakepoint Long Term Care Facility in Augusta, KS.   He was born September 24, 1926, in Hartford, KS, one of eight children to Joe and Della Farmer.  His family moved to LeRoy in 1931.

In 1943, he was section laborer (Gandy dancer) on the Katy Railroad.

On May 20, 1944, he joined the Navy and was on active roster for 7.5 years.  He was involved in WWII on the pacific front, sea duty, battleship and destroyer (USS Southland, USS Orleck).   In 1948, he returned to the States and worked as a telegrapher for MOPAC Railroad.  He was called back for the Korean Conflict in 1951 where he served on the USS Los Angeles.  He was honorably discharged on July 3, 1952.  He proudly wore his World War II / Korean War Veteran cap throughout the later years of his life.

Gilbert married Lola Mae Ingwersen on January 21, 1950.  To this union were born three children; James Joseph Farmer, Michael Dee Farmer, and Marci Sue Farmer Tennissen (deceased).  Lola Mae passed away March 9, 1995.  Grandchildren include:  James White, April Farmer, Stacy Tennissen Branscum, Jamee Farmer Funk, Kelsee Farmer, and Austin Farmer.  He had 11 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

In 1954, at the age of 28, he began the college journey, and in 1956 earned an Associate of Arts from Iola Junior College.  He attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia; Pittsburg State, Wichita State, University of Texas, University of Missouri, Purdue University, Illinois State, Rutgers, University of Maine, University of Wyoming, and Kansas State University.  In a period of 25 years, he studied and/or obtained Bachelors and/or Masters Degrees in Administration, Guidance and Counseling, Correctional Studies, among others.  On May 18, 1979, he received his Doctorate in Philosophy.  During this same period, he was Dean of Student Activities at Highland College, temporary head of Kansas Job Corps, Director of Education and Deputy Warden of Individual Treatment at Lansing Penitentiary, hired by Wichita School District in the field of Adult Education where he set up numerous continuing educational/vocational programs, finally becoming the principal at Wichita High School East Vo-Tech where he retired in the mid 1980's.   After retirement, he substituted as superintendent at Oskaloosa School District and teacher at LeRoy and McAllen, TX.

He was a 70 year member of the Masonic Lodge, including Grand Lodge Chaplain and Information Director.  He was a 69 year member of the Grange, including on the State Level, Executive Committee member, Information/Public Relations Director, Caretaker of KS Grange Camp & Headquarters on Lake Perry, 1 ^st Man of Kansas (married to the 1 ^st woman State President).  He belonged to Scottish Rite, VFW, Treasurer for the State and Wichita High Twelve club, degree team member for Ancient Toltec Rite, and member of the Wichita Westlink Lions Club.

He was a Scout Master in Highland, taking scouts on 7-mile hikes most weekends.  A big highlight was the 100 mile Canoe Trip on the Canada/US Border.

Following Lola Mae's death, Gilbert spent most of his time in McAllen, Texas, where he met and then later married Atanacia Cuellar Tellez in May 2011.   She passed away on August 16, 2018.  Annie's daughters are Veronica L. Salazar and Jessica M. Tellez; her granddaughter, Viviana L. Salazar.   Annie and Gilbert lived in the McAllen and Pharr areas until Annie's death, at which time he moved to Augusta, KS.

Services will be conducted on Thursday, March 7, at Jones Funeral Home, Burlington, Kansas.  Please join in a gathering for family and friends scheduled from 12:30-2:00.  Service will begin at 2:00 with Masonic ceremony following at graveside in Lorenz Schlichter cemetery, rural LeRoy.

Memorials are Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research and American Cancer Society and can be left or sent to the Jones Funeral Home, PO Box 277, Burlington, KS 66839.