On May 24th, Richard Bartholomew Farmer’s courageous 18-year battle with Parkinson’s disease came to a peaceful end and is now in the arms of his Savior. Dick would have been 80 years old, this coming October 4th. In his final days, he was surrounded by family and friends including his high school sweetheart and beloved wife of 57 years, Toni Danna Farmer. She was his constant caregiver until the end. Toni and Dick were truly best friends,the two were inseparable. Toni took him everywhere she could, even when she could barely get him in the car to go through a drive-thru for ice cream or just to take a ride to the lake. They were the true embodiment of “in sickness and in health, til death do us part”
Dick was a proud alumni of Jesuit High School and the University of New Orleans, where he was a founding member of Theta Xi, Beta Xi Chapter. His fraternity brothers held a very special place in his heart. He was very proud of his wife, Toni, who was the first Sweetheart of Theta Xi. He attended Loyola School of Dentistry in New Orleans as the last graduating class and Ohio State University Orthodontic Residency program. Dick proudly served as a Major in the United States Air Force, where he and his family resided in many states across the country, with Alaska being his favorite. Dick loved to tell stories about his hunting, fishing, camping, and snow mobile adventures. He was up for Lieutenant Colonel when he made the decision to come home to New Orleans and open an Orthodontic practice.
When met at the Gates of Heaven, Jesus said, “Well done my good and faithful servant” Dick was always willing to help others in need. He was a devoted Catholic who lived out his faith in his everyday life. In the Catholic Church, he was a lecturer, Eucharistic minister, and sang in the choir at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. Dick and Toni were involved in preparing couples for marriage in their home for many years. He worked in the Ministry for the Poor while an active parishioner at St Elizabeth Ann Seton. Dick also volunteered at Children’s Hospital were he treated cleft palate patients. He loved his family beyond words. He cherished his friends, patients, and the many friendships he made over the years. He was referred to by many of his patients and colleagues as “A legend in his time.”
Dick is preceded in death by his loving parents Richard Bartholomew Farmer Jr. and Magdalen Kaiser Farmer; his son Richard Bartholomew Farmer IV; and his grandson Andrew Antonino Farmer. He is survived by his loving wife, Toni Danna Farmer; his three children, Melissa Farmer Rooney (Michael), Michelle Farmer Mincey (Buddy Jr.), and Robb Bryan Farmer (Debbie); his nine grandchildren (who affectionally called him Pops), Tyler (Hayden), Morgan, Alex, Dominic, Madison (Landon), Megan, Brielle, William, and Matthew; and his great-grandchild Baby James Rooney. He is also survived by his siblings, Susan Farmer Koehler (Steve), Brenda Farmer Erfurdt (Roger), and Ronald Barry Farmer (Donna) and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. We would like to express
our appreciation to Ava Flates, his wound care nurse and Kristi O’Brian, his hospice nurse for their care and devotion to Dick while at Chateau Living Center.
A special thank you to Bob Brunet who was a good friend and brought him to his boxing classes and PT appointments faithfully every week. We would also like to recognize Catherine Ceaser, (CC) who went above and beyond the call of duty to care for “King Richard” as she so fondly referred to him. She was a blessing to the family and they don’t know what they would have done without her. Last but not least, Guy Favaloro, Dick’s best friend was always there for him, from going over cases while practicing orthodontics, to walks in the neighborhood during their younger years. Guy brought the Eucharist to their home every Sunday and visited every day when he was in the nursing facility, his last few months. He could not have had a better friend than Guy.
Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd New Orleans, LA 70124
Thursday, June 2, 2022 Visitation beginning at 12:00 noon with mass following at 2:00pm. Interment will continue at Lake Lawn All Saints Mausoleum.
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