Memorial
Paul D. Farris, 93, of Waukee, Iowa passed away September 7, 2023. A visitation will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, November 25 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, Cedar Rapids, with a funeral service beginning at 11:00am.
Paul was the sixth child born to Maggie B. (Richards) Farris and George H. Farris. He was born in their farmhouse in Adams County, Iowa on March 10, 1930. Paul attended a one room rural schoolhouse for 1-8th grade and graduated from Corning High School. Lacking money for college, he joined the United States Navy. Paul was selected for Electronics Technical School and when he was honorably discharged in 1952, he was an Electronics Petty Officer First Class. Paul then attended Iowa State University and received his degree in Electrical Engineering.
While attending Iowa State, he was involved in theater, and it was there he met his wife Patricia (Pati) Morden. After graduation, Paul and Pati moved to Cedar Rapids where Paul worked for Collins Radio / Rockwell Collins for 40 plus years.
Paul and Pati had 4 children, George, Pamela, Kelly and Elizabeth. In addition, they took in many other kids including their foster daughter June Ackley. Paul always valued family from childhood to his dying day.
Paul and Pati were married for 51 years. After her death, Paul married a fellow classmate, Patricia Flowers Olive Farris. They were married for 10 years before she passed away.
In addition to his family, Paul enjoyed traveling, genealogy, woodworking, birdwatching, and nature hikes. Paul was lucky to visit all 50 states in his travels.
Survivors include Paul’s children, George (Paulette) Farris of Florence, Italy, Pamela (John) Ridington of Pearland, Texas, Kelly Farris-Renner (Richard Renner) of Franklin, Wisconsin, Elizabeth ( Darrin) Myers of West Des Moines, Iowa: grandchildren, Anthony Delgado, Zackary (Lauren) Delgado, Nathan (Carley) Renner, Jenna (David) Kevkhishvili, Jacob (Madison) Panek, and Colton Myers: great grandchildren, Willow Delgado, Wilder Delgado, Charlotte Kevhishvili, and Olivia Panek: foster daughter, June Ackley.
Paul was preceded in death by his loving wife Patricia Morden and his second wife, Patricia Flowers Olive and great grandson, Cooper Panek, along with his parents and siblings.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wickiup Hill/Linn County Conservation.