Herschel Eugene (Gene) Farnham

Herschel Eugene (Gene) Farnham, 78, passed away Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, at his home in Edwards, Mo., after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Gene is survived by his loving companion of 22 years, Helen Wilkinson; his four children, son Troy Farnham and his wife, Shelley, daughter Stacy Norman and her husband, Don, and sons Brandon Farnham and Jeremy Farnham; Helen's son, Robert Wilkinson; as well as grandchildren, Trevor, Shadell, Haley and Jean Jacques and great-grandchild Landon; along with his extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his father, Eugene, and mother, Rena Farnham, both of Edwards, Mo.; his wife, Sharon Farnham; and his brother, Charles Bernett Farnham.

Gene honorably served in active duty in the United States Navy.

After a career as a Union painter and wallcovering specialist, Gene retired at the Lake of the Ozarks where he greatly enjoyed fishing, gardening and his hobby of building unique birdhouses. He also enjoyed helping Helen do home canning. He was a devout member of the Evening Shade Mennonite Church of Warsaw, Mo.

Gene had an exceptional sense of humor, his storytelling was legendary and with a twinkle in his eye, you never knew if it was true, but you sure believed it! He loved life and always had a smile on his face. He would brighten the day of everyone who met him, and he will be greatly missed.

A celebration of his life will take place Saturday, March 9, at 11 a.m., at the Evening Shade Mennonite Church, located at 34586 Evening Shade Road, Warsaw, Mo.