William Abraham Farmer

Chief Warrant Officer 3 (Retired) William “Bill” Farmer died peacefully in Providence St. Peter Hospital on March 30, 2017 in Olympia, Washington at the age of 72.

Bill is survived by his children, Kathy Brannam-Nelson, Thomas Brannam, and Scott Brannam; daughter-in-law’s, Jennifer Murphy-Brannam, and Annette Farmer-Beaty; Sisters, Betty Koski, and Mary Anderson; grandsons Thomas Brannam, Carter Nelson, and Dean Farmer. He is preceded in death by his wife Irene Brannam–Farmer, Lacey Washington; Sons, Steven Brannam, Lacey Washington, and Dean Farmer, California; Father, Wilmer Dean Farmer, and Mother, Elsie Astrid Running-Farmer, Fargo North Dakota.

Bill was born May 20, 1944 in Fargo, North Dakota to Wilmer and Elsie Farmer. He attended college at University of Maryland and University of Alabama, along with other extensive education in Aviation. Bill had an accomplished career in the United States Army in the aviation field with experience flying and performing maintenance on over thirteen Army aircraft. After retirement from the Army, March 31, 1988 he began a second career with Boeing Corporation, Renton Washington working on the 737 aircraft as the quality controls and assurance inspector at final assembly. His children remember him as a patient father who was always ready to help others, loved fishing, hunting, and wood working in his shop. Bill loved his wife Irene, staying beside her side through many months of long-term medical care. His love, compassion, and devotion so deep he never missed a day or opportunity to help nurses with Irene’s meals and care.

Bill was an accomplished Army aircraft maintenance Warrant Officer. He retired with over 20 years of active service to our nation. Just a few of his awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, multiple Army Commendation Medal’s, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and many other awards Badges and achievements awarded during his service to our nation.

A celebration of life is scheduled for May 21, 2017, (1 p.m.) at (The Olympia Elks Lodge, #186) with reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bill’s life. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Providence St. Peter Hospital for their efforts, care, and compassion.