Alvin Farmer

Alvin James "Al" Farmer Jr., 82, of Cape Girardeau relocated to his heavenly home, Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. He drew his first heavenly breath surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Al was born June 26, 1930, in Bell City, Mo., to the Rev. Alvin James and Mabel Arnold Farmer Sr. He had one sister, Ruth Farmer Roberts of Springfield, Ill.; a stepmother, Sylvia Whitaker Farmer; and a stepsister, Roma Farmer Struttman. His parents, stepmother, and sister preceded him in death. His stepsister, Roma, survives in Union, Mo.

The love of Al's life, since he was 17 years old, is Donna Proffer Farmer, his wife, who resides in their home in Cape Girardeau. The Farmers were married July 4, 1947, in Fredericktown, Mo., and celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in 2012.

To this marriage were born three children, Gary Farmer and wife Emily (nee Kingston) of Pompano Beach, Fla., Kevin Farmer and wife Pamela (nee Amelung) of Cape Girardeau and Donal Sue (nee Farmer) Browning and husband Dennis of Cape Girardeau.

To "Poppo" and Grandma were born seven grandchildren, Trisha (nee Farmer) Iglesias and husband Louis of Jacksonville, Fla.; Lisa (nee Farmer) Reason of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.; Brandon Farmer and wife Laura of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; Adam Farmer and wife Amanda of Cape Girardeau; Shanna (nee Ferguson) Brueckner and husband Mark of St. Louis; Mendi (nee Ferguson) McDowell and husband Kyle of Jackson; and Joshua Ferguson and wife Tricia of St. Louis.

Poppo and Great Grandma, "GG", adore 15 great-grandchildren, Ashlee and Amanda Iglesias; Savannah and Jessica Reason; Evan, Madison and Emery Farmer; Haley, Caleb and Chloe Farmer; Ashlyn and Addisyn Brueckner; Morgan Crowell; Autumn Gragg; and Hunter Ferguson.

A host of brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, for several generations, will miss him as a "brother" and "Uncle Al."

Al loved his family and spent his life working hard as a machinist, cabinet builder and overall handy man. Anything that needed to be fixed, Al was the man for the job. Side by side, he and Donna remodeled many homes of their own, as well as the homes of their children, and handled numerous projects for their grandchildren and friends. Everyone enjoyed visiting Poppo's shop, except Donna, who always thought it needed to be more organized.

Al had a lifelong relationship with his Lord, serving in church by playing his guitar and leading worship, being a deacon, working in Royal Rangers and participating in mission trips. He could often be found with a tool belt around his waist, remodeling and helping to construct churches. His handiwork is left throughout multiple churches, at home and abroad. He and Donna are members of Bethel Assembly of God Church in Cape Girardeau, where you could find him faithfully attending, always with a smile and a handshake.

Al had a funny wit, making everybody who knew him laugh often with his mischievous grin and the twinkle in his very blue eyes. He was a soft-spoken man of strong faith, integrity and faithfulness to the most important people and commitments in his life, unwavering in both.

A hero of the faith, an example of a Godly husband, father, grandfather and friend, his passing leaves a big hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, sadly missed but gratefully remembered by the legacy of family and friends who adored this kindhearted man.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to time of service Tuesday at Bethel Assembly of God Church, 1855 Perryville Road, Cape Girardeau.

A celebration of Al's life will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, with Pastor Phillip Roop and Al's brother-in-law, the Rev. Gene Proffer, officiating.

Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday with a graveside service at Marcus Cemetery in Fredericktown. Al's nephews, Rick Proffer and Buck Proffer of Fredericktown, will officiate.

For memorials, please consider contributions to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, P.O. Box 96105, Washington, D.C. 20090.

Arrangements are by McCombs Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Online condolences may be sent to www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.