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Paul D. Farris
Paul D. Farris
Waukee
Paul D. Farris, 93, of Waukee, Iowa, passed away Sept. 7, 2023. A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories, Cedar Rapids, with a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m.
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 first to eighth grade and graduated from Corning High School. Lacking money for college, he joined the U.S. 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 four 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, Wis., 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; his second wife, Patricia Flowers Olive; great-grandson, Cooper Panek; his parents; and siblings.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wickiup Hill/Linn County Conservation.
Online condolences may be left at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.
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