In celebration of life, the loved ones of Donald Farmer Sr. announce his peaceful passing into
eternity. Thursday, March 25, 2021 while in the care of Season's Hospice, St. Joseph's Hospital,
Tampa, FL. Gloria his wife, and youngest daughter, Samantha, were at his bedside. During his
last months, Don was continuously surrounded by family and friends who were blessed to be
able to share their prayers and goodbyes. Those who compassionately provided support in his
last hours include Andrea Gardner (eldest daughter), her children Alexander, Xavier Chase,
Bridgette, Megan & Logan; grandchildren Austin Farmer & Whitney Hartford, and friends,
Samuel and Robin Harris.
Donald was almost 82 years old when God called him home, He was born on a rural farm in
Altavista, Virginia with a midwife attending his mother on April 9, 1939. He and wife, Gloria,
have resided in Sun City Center, FL for the last 11 years. He was a devoted provider and
protector for his loved ones. He was a dedicated hardworking man. Never a complaint as he
worked two or three jobs at a time. He never needed an alarm clock to wake him and was never
late for work a day in his life. His work experience included, caddy, sole proprietor Don's
Janitorial Services, auto mechanic, service advisor, and automotive retail sales representative for
Sears Roebuck & Co. and Montgomery Ward. Don was also an accounting manager with
Goodyear Tire & Rubber, a real estate sales agent with Merrill Lynch, sole proprietor Don
Farmer Trucking, delivery driver for Sara Lee Corporation, & lastly, a Bull Runner bus driver
with USF until retiring in 2016. Don was humble, generous, soft spoken and kind. As God
placed people before Don, he easily spoke peace and encouragement into their lives and had a
quick smile. Throughout his lifetime, he and his wife, Gloria continued to built their faith and
served the Lord together.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Lillian Veney; brother, Joe Lewis Farmer; and sons,
David and Johnathan Farmer. Donald is survived by his wife of 59 years, Gloria Farmer; son,
Donald Farmer Jr; daughters, Andrea Gardner and Samantha Farmer-Eguia; cousin, Earl P
Farmer Jr, Sister-in-law, Donna Williams; 8 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren who
lovingly called him PopPop.
There will be a funeral mass at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Sun City Center, FL on
Friday, April 9, 2021 at 11:00am. CDC COVID guidelines will be in place for the funeral mass
including masks and social distancing protocols. Please arrive at 30 minutes early to help
accommodate social distancing seating. He will be laid to rest at Serenity Meadows Memorial
Park in Riverview, Florida following the funeral mass. All are encouraged to join the family for
Don's internment. In an abundance of caution during COVID, the family is delaying a public
celebration of Don's life for a later date.
The Farmer family extends their appreciation for your prayers, kind words, and loving support
during this time. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in Don's memory to:
Season Hospice and Palliative Care via the Seasons Hospice Foundation website.
Seasons Hospice Foundation | Donate - Seasons Hospice Foundation (seasonsfoundation.org)
or Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 702 Valley Forge Blvd, Sun City Center, FL 33573.
Give (parishsoft.com)
The words of St Paul to Timothy give the family encouragement. 2 Timothy 4:7-8. "I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is
reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on
that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing."