Wendell Farley

SIKESTON, Mo. -- Oliver Wendell Farley, 81, of Sikeston died Saturday, March 31, 2012, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

He was born March 1, 1931, in Charleston, Mo., to Oliver and Edith Cruson Farley.

Farley was a self-employed sign painter and electrical technician and had owned and operated Farley Sign Shop.

A veteran of the U.S. Army Reserve and Missouri National Guard, he retired as a master sergeant after 42 years of service.

He was an ordained minister more than 20 years, and the past 10 years had pastored Trinity Free Pentecost Church in Charleston. He and his wife had also served as missionaries for the Navajo Indians and in the Appalachian Mountains since 1989.

Farley was an avid radio operator and member of Trico Amateur Club (call letters KOMO) more than 45 years. He was a God-gifted musician playing several instruments, primarily the steel and lead guitar. He had played with several groups including Harold and the Boys, Gospel Jubileers and for the past 22 years had played at the Bootheel Jamboree in Bernie, Mo.

On Oct. 20, 1956, in Corinth, Miss., he married Bertha Joanna Skaggs Montgomery.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Bryan Montgomery of Sikeston; a daughter and son-in-law, Susie and Bill Presswood of Tyler, Texas; a sister, June House of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; five grandchildren, B.J. Montgomery, Abby Seiler, Wendy Montgomery, Jayme Milam, Chelsea Milam; and five great-grandchildren, Audrey, Seth, Abbey, Brianna and Wyatt.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, G.R., Rodney, Leonard and Paul Farley; and a sister, Irlene Groves.

A musical celebration of his life will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at Blanchard Funeral Home. The Rev. John Givens, pastor of Potters House Church, will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be at 1 p.m. in Missouri State Veterans Cemetery at Bloomfield.

Pallbearers will be Bryan E. Montgomery, Bryan J. Montgomery, Joey Seiler, Jayme Milam, Bill Presswood and Darrin House.

Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Stanley Sides and the Trico Ham Radio Club members.

Online condolences may be made at blanchardfuneral.com.