Brian Farmer

When reflecting on the life of Brian Farmer, it is easy to see that he lived life out loud and on his own terms. He was kind, understanding, and completely selfless with a heart of gold that was truly unmatched. His zest for life was contagious to all who were near and it was easy to see his greatest blessing was his kids. He was truly happiest when surrounded by their love. Life will never be the same without Brian here, but he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his family and friends will forever hold near and dear to their heart.

It only seems fitting that the decade in which Brian was born was as colorful and energetic as he was. Civil rights often topped the news of the day, the young John F. Kennedy was elected as the 25th President of the United States, and the nation celebrated as Neil Armstrong was the first to set foot on the moon. With excitement all their own, Eugene and Bealuh Farmer announced the birth of the baby boy they named Brian on February 13, 1965 in Columbus, Ohio. Raised by his grandma, Carrie, Brian was a fairly typical young boy for his generation. He attended local schools, played basketball, and even learned how to farm tobacco. Years later, he proudly taught his own kids how to chop tobacco while riding in the wagon.

After high school, Brian was eager for all that life had in store. He became a preacher for a time, influenced by his Grandma Carrie and the positive impact she had on his life. Brian also loved singing and playing guitar. The bulk of his career was spent in construction which truly became his passion from the time his brother, James, taught him to roof. Throughout his life Brian loved working on houses. Whether it was his own, or someone else’s, he was always eager to help.

He also enjoyed gardening and playing the guitar. He was so thrilled when his kids bought him a new guitar just a few years ago! Brian primarily played bluegrass songs and was known to strike up a tune at any family gathering. He also loved to cook. Among his specialties were his beans, potatoes, and cornbread, which was his favorite meal. Brian would sometimes get upset when the kids put the wrong spices in his dinner, but once in a while he’d find something knew that he liked.

There was no greater gift in Brian’s life than his children, and it was clear that Charles, Les, Jessica, and Megan were the light of his life. Of course, when grandchildren came along, life for Brian only got sweeter. He looked out for his kids, even when he needed to teach them something the hard way. Brian taught Jessica how to drive his Ford truck in the mountains, and he taught Les to ride up the mountains on a dirt bike. However, the bike did flip over and break Les’ leg on one occasion. Brian was so proud of his kids and he loved them so much that he ended up moving to Michigan five years ago to be closer to his children after having lived all over the country most of his life. He looked out for everyone in his family and his friends, too. Brian was always offering to help others fix things around their homes. Later in life he was filled with great joy to become a grandfather, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren doing just about anything as long as it wasn’t playing video games. Brian often took them fishing, and they also mowed lawns together. He taught them the value of hard work, and was always there to give them advice. It has also been said that he had a way of just making the hard times easier.

All who knew Brian Farmer would agree that he was truly one of a kind. He was one of the sweetest people around who would give the shirt off his back to someone who needed it. Brian had a way of turning anything into a fun moment of a joke, and he had goofy names for things like the refrigerator what was a “Frigidairy.” He never let anything get him down including the time he dove too shallow out of a tree into the river and ended up breaking his neck. Rather than panicking, Brian drove himself to the hospital.

With unending devotion to his family and friends, Brian Farmer touched the lives of so many around him in such a special way. He was the sort of person who would go without to make sure someone else was taken care of, and his love for his family was so easy to see. Deeply loved, Brian will be forever missed.

Brian Farmer, of Lawton, died unexpectedly on October 16, 2020. Brian was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Jerry Jr. and Koby; an infant sister: Tammy; and recently the mother of his children, Rebecca Mauck. Surviving are his children: Charles Miller, Les Miller, Jessica (Kyle) Whipple, and Megan McDaniel; grandchildren: Payton, Jaylin, Brayden, Rylee, Damien, Ryder, Kailee, Les Jr., Chanse, Zander, Kaleb, Addison, Taylor, Amira, Gaige, Kadence, Levi, Ella-Grace, Nataleigh, and one on the way; 1 great-grandson: Jayden; siblings: James, Tony, Bradley, Shawn, Amy, and Haley; and many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A private Life Story service will be held. Visit Brian’s personal webpage at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com where you may archive a favorite memory or photo, and sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Brian’s family C/O Jessica Whipple. Arrangements by Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, 60900 M40 Hwy, Paw Paw (269) 657-3870.