Kenneth Farmer
Kenneth Vaden Farmer arrived at his heavenly home on Sunday, October 4, 2020, at the age of 80.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vaden and Ruth Farmer, brother and sister-in-law, Clyde and Mary Watson and sister, Bessie Casey.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Wanda Dotson Farmer; daughters, Kathy (Robert) Lewallen, Karen (Rick) Payne and Karla (Jimbo) Green; grandchildren, Brooks (Holly) Rawlston, Jarrelle (Lauren) Wolff, Jarrod Wolff, Bivens (Rochelle) Lewallen, Taylor Green and Gracie Green; great-grandchildren, Carley Wolff and Robbie Lewallen; nephews and nieces, Marshall Watson, Marty Watson, Melinda Walraven and Arthela Casey, and many other nieces, nephews and extended family. Also, his Brother at Heart, Dennie (Francine) Smith, and Andy Edwards, the son he always wanted.
Ken served his country in the United States Air Force for four years and served our city in the Chattanooga Fire Department for 30 years, where he rose to the rank of District Chief.
Ken was an avid sportsman. He loved hunting, boating and anything outdoors, but is most known for his fishing. He was a member of the Chattanooga Bass Association, Basscasters Fishing Club, Hungry Fisherman Tournament circuit, and fished the B.A.S.S. tournament circuit. Too numerous to name, Ken won many tournaments and placed well in both the local and the semi-pro tournament circuits. He represented the State of Tennessee in the B.A.S.S. Nation State Tournament in Canada.
Ken loved his family, as well as his church family, at Maple Grove Baptist Church where he was a member for several years. We know many will miss him because this is a man who was truly loved, but most of all by his wife, daughters, grandchildren and family. Ken, Daddy, Papaw, you are loved and will be missed more than you will ever know.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 3–7 p.m. at Maple Grove Baptist Church, 9525 Birchwood Pike, Harrison, Tn.
A funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Pastors Ronnie Dotson and Andy Bell officiating. The family will also receive friends on Thursday, Oct. 8, at Turner Funeral Home, Highway 58 Chapel from 9–10:30 a.m. The family requests that in accordance with CDC guidelines, please remember to wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Ken will be laid to rest in Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors.
We wish to thank the very special people at Kindred at Home and Hospice Source who provided excellent care to him, especially Nicole Strange, Joann Tessier, Ali Swilley, Carla Greach and Dr. Terry Melvin. Also, a very special thanks to neighbors, TJ and Missy Tallent for your love and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.