Fred T. Farthing

On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, Fred Trimble Farthing departed his Earthly life surrounded by family following a short illness. Born May 17, 1943, to Fred R. Farthing and Elizabeth Trimble Farthing, Fred grew up alongside his sister, Cynthia, in Springfield, Missouri. He attended Greenwood Laboratory School graduating in 1961, and went on to Drury College where he received his degree in 1965.

An animal lover from a young age, Fred began raising farm animals as a child in his backyard in Springfield. So it wasn’t a surprise to anyone that he became a rancher raising Beefmaster Cattle on his Double F Ranch south of Seymour, Missouri where he lived with his wife, Judy until the time of his death. Fred loved his home and was very active over the years in the Seymour Community serving as Chairman of the Seymour Apple Festival twice as well as a board member for the Seymour School District.

Fred loved music all of his life. This love of music and his participation in square dancing led him to become a square dance caller during the 1980s serving clubs in both Springfield and Seymour. He enjoyed music shows, and when he stopped attending live performances, he enjoyed discovering bands old and new on YouTube.

Fred loved to fish. He spent time each summer at Stockton Lake with his family and friends hoping just to get enough of a catch to have a fish fry. He also loved his garden where he raised a multitude of vegetables for Judy to preserve for their enjoyment during winter.

Fred is survived by his wife, Judy of the home, daughter Abby Ruiz (Sam), son Jim Farthing (Samantha), bonus daughter Bridgitte Lewis (Richard), bonus son James McAnnally (Cathy); grandchildren: John Bonds (Hannah), Ben Ruiz, Lacy Ruiz, Chester Farthing, Libby Farthing, Maegan Lewis (Brett), Jaclyn Becker (Sam), Richie Lewis, and Wyatt McAnally (Tanny); great-grandchildren: Nickolai, Oliver, Lyra, Ellie and Noah; one sister: Cynthia Hollander, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 1, 2024 at Seymour Masonic Cemetery, under direction of Adams Funeral Home, Ozark, with Robert LaCelle officiating.  

Fred was a very generous and loving man who will be missed by many. Instead of flowers, the family is requesting that memorial donations be made to the Ozarks Family YMCA in Seymour, Seymour Care to Learn (c/o Seymour High School), and the King’s Food Pantry in Seymour.