Robert “Bob” Farmer was born August 13th, 1937 to Eulilah (Creasy) and Benjamin Davis Farmer in Swepsonville, North Carolina.

A year after high school he joined the Air Force. He was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base right after basic training. There he met Mary (Ileen} Bertsch. Shortly after, they married on July 4th, 1959 in Rapid City, South Dakota. As Bob would fondly say, “He gave up his independence for the love of his life, Ileen.”

In 1978, after 22 years of service he retired from the US Air Force. While in the military he was stationed overseas in Spain and Okinawa and stateside in New Mexico, Virginia, and multiple times in South Dakota. After his military retirement Bob went to work for the Rapid City School District. He also worked at the South Dakota National Guard. Throughout his professional career, Bob was an offset printer.

In his younger years, he loved playing softball. His favorite position was catcher. While stationed in New Mexico, his team represented the Air Force in a national tournament. Bob excelled in bowling. He bowled in many leagues over the years, even participating in two national tournaments in Niagara Falls and Las Vegas. He was a lifelong avid Dodger fan, beginning when the Dodgers were in Brooklyn. Bob enjoyed playing cards, especially Pinochle and Five Crowns. He also was very lucky at playing the slot machines.

Bob is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ileen, their daughter Tina and her husband Bill Clarke of Rapid City, South Dakota; grand-daughter Kaylene and her husband Mitchell Martin and great-grandsons Aydan, Jaxsen and Carter Martin of Lincoln, Nebraska and his older sister Lois Farmer of Burlington, North Carolina.

Robert was preceded in death by his son Robert Farmer Jr., his infant son John David Farmer, his younger sister Jeanie Farmer and older brother Benjamin Farmer.

As an Air Force veteran, Bob was proud to serve his country. As a Knight of Columbus 4th Degree, he was proud to serve his church and community. He was a loving and devoted husband, dad, papa, and great grandpa. His sense of humor and laughter will be missed by all who knew him. We love you. Rest in Peace.