William O. Farmer, Jr.

William (Bill) O. Farmer Jr. (71) passed away on August 2, 2019 after a long illness. He passed away in his home holding the hands of his wife, Nona of 22 years, and his son William, and surrounded by family and friends.

He was born on March 12, 1948 in Denver to William and Norma Farmer who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his mother and father-in-law Leland and Naomi Miller, sister Cathy Dougherty, brother-in-law Terry Miller, sons Cole Farmer and Johnny Petrillo, nephew Casey Farmer, and great grandson Ethan Petrillo.

A dedicated father first and foremost, Bill treasured his children and grandchildren and embraced every moment with them. He especially loved his role as “Papa” AKA “Hairy Papa.” One tradition he passed on to his children was his love of the outdoors- fishing, camping, water skiing, and hiking. Bill was a huge NASCAR fan. Travelling with his wife Nona to many NASCAR tracks, never using a map, always led to amazing spontaneous adventures. Watching the race with Papa on Sundays became a regular occurrence for his grandson, “Swervin’ Ervin,” and created a special bond between the two.

Bill also had a great passion for his work. Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, he became an ironworker, a trade he passed down to his sons. In many buildings and bridges in Colorado you will see Bill’s handywork. On every car ride and in every cityscape, he would proudly point out a structure he had helped build. When his health no longer allowed him to build buildings, he channeled his skills and creativity into decorating boxes. It gave him great joy to gift over 200 unique, lovingly crafted boxes to family, friends, and hospice workers as a keepsake from “Old Man Farmer.”

Bill is survived by his wife Nona Farmer, son and wife William (Billy) and Emily Farmer, daughter and husband Angel and Steven Loghry, daughter Rebecca (Becky) Shields, sister Bettie Farmer, brothers David and Jeff, numerous nieces and nephews, 20 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

Please join us in celebrating his life Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 1pm at the Keenesburg Church of Christ (10 Market Street, Keenesburg, CO 80643). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made through the Keenesburg Church of Christ.

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