Dr. Howard E. Farris' Obituary
Howard E. Farris, Age 86, of Southwest MI, passed away 3/29/19 in Dunedin, FL, surrounded by loving family. He was born in Osceola, Arkansas in 1932, and moved to MI with his 3 brothers and 2 Sisters and family at age 5, after the Mississippi River flooded their farm. A cousin told them there was work in Michigan. They settled in Benton Harbor MI, he grew up and got his diploma there; went into the Air Force (1952-56). Upon returning, He attended Benton Harbor Community College and got an AA, while working at Berrien County Sheriff’s Department as a Jailor and Water Safety Deputy. Howard then received bachelors and masters degrees at Western Michigan University. He married and had 2 children (Debra and Brian). He later attended MI State, and got his PhD there. He taught as a professor of Psychology at Beloit College, and then returned to Western Michigan University to teach for 35 years. He retired in 2000, and moved to Grand Rapids to live with his wife, Gussie in 2003. He enjoyed running, sailing, traveling, cooking, music, humor and creating wine on his grape farm in Mattawan, MI.
He is survived by his wife, Gussie Farris of Grand Rapids, children; Debra Farris of Mattawan, MI and Brian Farris (Debra Kelly) of Portage, MI, and their mother, Barbara Farris (Roderick Place) of Lawton, MI, Nancy Lindahl of Plainwell, MI, sister-in-law, Dorothy Farris of Dunedin, FL, and her children Paul Wayne Farris, Lisa and Mike Grenon, Krista Farris. Blended family, Kim and Dawn Logie-Bates, Robin and Mike Morren, Sue Folkringa and Douglas Lugthart, and grandchildren, Josh, Bethany, Josiah, Jon and Ben Burns, Jimmy Logie IV (Nikki Logie), Skylar Smith, and great-grandson, James Logie V.
He was an amazing man, and will be greatly missed by many.
**Please Join us for Howard's celebration of life party!
WHEN: Saturday, June 1st, 2019
WHAT TIME: 2pm til dark
WHERE: Farris Farm
65660 CR 652
Mattawan, MI 49071
WHAT TO BRING: A Side dish to share. A written story or memory about Howard.
RSVP!
BBQ chicken and Pulled Pork, water and Farris Wine will be provided. Please bring a side dish to share. Also a bag chair or blanket to sit on if you have one.
We will eat, drink, dance and be merry! Howard would have wanted that!
Live Music by Debra Farris Project.
Please Bring a written story or tribute about Howard. We will collect them and create a book. You may also share at the Mic if you feel moved. There will be an open mic for sharing in between music sets. There will also be Howard’s 2 music CD’s for sale @ $10 each.
Please RSVP! We expect quite a crowd, and need a head count!
Want to help? We can use some volunteers for setup/ party maintenance, parking monitors, kitchen help, and breakdown/ cleanup. You could also throw some cash in the jar to help contribute. Either way is much appreciated!
Contact us if you’d like to help volunteer.
Thanks!
Deb and Brian Farris
805-451-1237
(269) 870-0357
DONATIONS:
IN lieu of flowers or sympathy gifts, please consider donating $$ to the family farm at Farris Enterprises, LLC., to preserve the open land and farm in Trust with the South West Michigan Land Conservancy. (SWMLC) Howard and the family donated most of his open natural land this organization to prevent it from being developed to preserve it for future generations to enjoy the nature.
Gifts may be made payable to and mailed to the farm address below at:
Farris Enterprises, LLC.
65660 CR 652, Mattawan MI 49071.
What’s your fondest memory of Howard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Howard?
Share a story where Howard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Howard you’ll never forget.
How did Howard make you smile?