John Reynold Farrell, 91, of Russell, Kansas, died on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell, Kansas.
John was born on October 11, 1929, in Abbeyville, Louisiana, the son of James and Eunice (Herbert) Farrell. He grew up in Graham County, Kansas and graduated from Palco High School in the class of 1947. After high school he graduated from Fort Hays State University with a bachelor’s degree in education. He moved to Russell, Kansas, in 1955, to take a job with the USD 407 school district, teaching elementary education. He met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Laureen Goetz on May 30th, 1956, in Victoria, Kansas. From this union they were blessed with two children Joel and Lynn. In 1956, John was selected to be the principal at Bickerdyke school and later also at Simpson school, and continued to work for the Russell public schools until he retired in 1993. He was a longtime member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell. He was also a longtime member of the Russell Rotary Club and the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240. He enjoyed playing tennis and golf and spending time with friends. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Surviving family include his wife, of 64 years, Laureen; son Joel Farrell and wife Janet of Boston, Massachusetts; daughter Lynn Farrell of Kansas City, Kansas; brothers Joe Farrell and wife Ellen of Hill City, Kansas, Bob Farrell and wife Donna of Hill City, Kansas and Larry Farrell and wife Anita of Olpie, Kansas; sisters are Sister Rose Farrell of Silver City, New Mexico, Marleen Dockins and husband Ronnie of Casper, Wyoming, Agnes Steichen of Madison, Wisconsin and Joan Dolen and husband Mike of Topeka, Kansas; 2 grandchildren Jacob and Javian Farrell.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Anna Riemann.
A funeral mass to celebrate John’s life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, January 05, 2021, at the St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell, Kansas. Burial will follow at the St. Fidelis Catholic Cemetery in Victoria, Kansas. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Monday, January 04, 2021, at the mortuary. Memorials may be given to the Russell Rotary Club and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, Kansas is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.