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Farr, Bill
Bill Farr, formerly of Cedar Rapids and Victor, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2009, in Statesboro, Ga. A military memorial is planned for Saturday, Sept. 19, at the new Covenant Methodist Church in Victor at 10 a.m. Pastor Jim Davis will officiate, along with the American Legion.
Bill was one of the last known World War II Flying Tigers. He was a sergeant with the 14th Air Force 21st Photo Reconnaissance Squad. He worked with the OSS, later known as the CIA, developing film, printing photos, and working with the Chinese home guard. Most of Bill's time in China was behind enemy lines. He helped to get information and downed Americans back to safe areas.
Bill was born and raised in Cedar Rapids to Arthur and Jennie Farr on Sept. 23, 1919. He married Sarah Engledow on April 10, 1942, and remained with her for 65 years until her passing in 2006. Bill was very active in Cedar Rapids. He was a member of the Historic Preservation Commission, served on the board for the Seminole Valley Farmhouse and on a committee for Ushers Ferry, was the first president of Mays Island Questors, past president of the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Cedar Rapids school board, president of the U.S. Air Reserve, scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts, member of Mizpah Lodge and York Rite, where he was High Priest of Trowel Chapter and commander of Apollo Commandery, and received the grand cross of colors from OES. Bill volunteered at St. Luke's Hospital and took two years of courses to train as chaplain for patients. He also volunteered at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Iowa City. Bill worked for Iowa Manufacturing as an electrical engineer.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Cathy Curran of Victor; son, Richard (Suzy) Farr of Statesboro, Ga.; his grandchildren, Brian Wolf (Billie), Kelly Wolf (Heather), Ashley Wolf (Ryan), Andyi Farr, Abbey Miller (Ken); and his great-grandchildren, Ben, Brody, Blake, Alyssa and Alexis.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Sarah; sister, Cora; brother, Charles; and great-grandson, Tyler.
A memorial fund has been established and can be sent to PO Box 295, Victor, IA 52347.
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