Mike Farrar

George Michael "Mike" Farrar died Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at the age of 58.

He was born Sept. 2, 1951, in Kansas City, Mo., to Dr. George O. and Loma Jeanne Fox Farrar. He was a lifelong resident of Cape Girardeau.

Mike attended Campus Elementary School and was a 1970 graduate of Central High School.

He worked in the dietary department at Saint Francis Medical Center nearly 35 years, starting when the hospital was located on Good Hope, and moving with the medical center to its current location. He was known by his co-workers as a hard worker who was always punctual and always willing to help others or trade shifts. Mike received the Employee of the Year Award in 1987 and was extremely honored.

After he retired in 2008, Mike became a volunteer at Saint Francis, assisting with transportation of outpatient surgery patients. He took volunteering as seriously as he did his employment, and he loved helping others.

Mike was a lifelong member of Centenary United Methodist Church. He served as an usher and assistant Sunday school superintendent 40 years and was honored by the church earlier this year for his dedication and service.

Mike was an enthusiastic and passionate St. Louis Cardinals fan, as anyone who ever spoke to him, even briefly, would know. He followed the team, win or lose, every year and knew everything about the players, managers and coaches. He knew Cardinals statistics, trades and the schedule from spring training to World Series. In the 1990s, Mike attended spring training in Florida and talked about the experience for years.

Not all of his devotion was for the Cardinals, however, as he was an avid Southeast Missouri State University basketball fan as well. He was a member of the Boosters Club, and held season tickets many years. He loved bowling, driving his car, working, volunteering and being around friends and family.

Mike was a much-loved son, grandson, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, and he will be missed deeply.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Susan (Bill) Cole of Cape Girardeau, Mary (Kevin) Enger of St. Peters, Mo.; a nephew, Chris Cole of Kansas City; a niece, Katie Cole of Cape Girardeau; an uncle, Gerald Fox of Owosso, Mich.; an aunt, Wilma Bergjans of Florissant, Mo.; numerous cousins; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dr. Charles B. and Estella Farrar, and Hazen and Ruby Fox.

A private family burial will be held Friday at Lorimier Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Centenary United Methodist Church, 300 N. Ellis St., Cape Girardeau, concluding with a brief celebration of Mike's life at 6. The Rev. Jeff Long will officiate.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Centenary United Methodist Church.