Ernest Farmer

Ernest "Ernie" Kent Farmer, 86, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019, to join his beautiful and beloved wife to be with Jesus.

Ernie was born July 8, 1932, to Kent Farmer and Margaret Shelton Farmer of Oklahoma City.

Ernie served in the Air National Guard and the United States Airforce, and was honorably discharged in 1956 from both.

Ernie attended St. Gregory's High School in Oklahoma City. He pursued his desire to teach, getting his undergraduate degree in 1956 from Bethany Nazarene College in Oklahoma, where he attended under a basketball scholarship and majored in social science. He went on to attend Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, receiving his master's degree in 1958, majoring in social science. In 1960, Ernie began his doctoral program at Michigan State University at East Lansing and Oklahoma State University. He taught at Southeast Missouri State University for over 30 years, specializing in ancient Egyptian history, and during that timeframe completed his doctorate in history.

Ernie was married to Elizabeth "Liz" Katherine Faust Farmer on Dec. 19, 1981. They were married for 37 years. He and Liz served the Lord through their church, where he actively participated in the church choir and was a member of the Rivers of Joy group, singing gospel hymns. He served as the interim music leader and an interim member of the worship committee at his church. He was also involved in the men's breakfast and served the church through visitations, always encouraging the sick and dying through hymn singing and reading God's word. Additionally, they both assisted in planting Fruitland Community Church. They were actively involved with the retired SEMO History Department monthly breakfasts. Ernie's passion in retirement was in playing golf, where he mentored others while developing lasting friendships.

Ernie is survived by his three children from a previous marriage, two daughters, Debra E. Ault and Lynda Falconer (Lawrence), and one son, Bob Graves; and with Liz, he is survived by his three sons, Randall S. Moore (Natasha) of Jackson, Michael L. Moore (Michelle) of Cape Girardeau and Roger T. Moore of St. Louis, and a daughter, Veronica K. Boardrow of Perryville, Missouri; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Visitation will be held 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, with memorial service immediately following, at Bethany Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau, officiated by Pastor Shawn Wasson. Graveside services will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Fruitland Community Church (FCC) Missions or to Bethany Baptist Missions.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Ford and Sons Funeral Home.