Samuel Lawrence Farmer

Samuel Lawrence Farmer, 91, of Manhattan, Kan., formally of Russell, Kan. and Willard, passed away Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020. He was born May 16, 1929, in Willard, to John O. and Winifred Willey Farmer. On Jan. 28, 1951, Samand Mary Lou Silverblatt were united in marriage. They shared over 68 years together before Mary Lou’s passing in 2019.Farmer was a 1947 graduate of Willard High School and 1958 graduate of Kansas State University. He also faithfully served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. He was a geologist and worked with his brother at John O. Farmer Inc., retiring after 40 years. He was a member of Kansas Geologist Society, Kansas Oil & Gas, and a member of the Lion’s Club. Farmer is survived by sons Neal Farmer and wife Debbie of Manhattan, Kan., Charles Blond Farmer and wife Marlene of Washington state; Samuel Eddy Farmer of Kansas City; seven grandsons; one granddaughter; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild. In addition, he had two additional AFS sons that he loved as his own. Norman Hay, Geneva, Switzerland and Hiro Saito Tokyo, Japan and their families. Also nieces, nephews other family and many wonderful friends.Farmer was preceded in death by his parents; wife Mary Lou; and siblings, John O. Farmer, Jack Farmer, Wilma Perryman and Jo Collinson.A private graveside service was held at Wesley Cemetery, Willard. A public memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations in Farmer’s name may be made to John O. Farmer Family Scholarship Fund and can be left at or mailed to the funeral home (P.O. box 217 Ash Grove, MO 65604).Arrangements under the direction of Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove.