Roger Stephen Farley

On Tuesday, April 9, 2019, Roger Stephen Farley, loving husband “Rog” to Renice, “Dad” to Ruey and Ryan, and “Papa” to Madeline, Ben, Kyle and Andrew, was suddenly taken to be with the Lord at the tender age of 74.

Roger was the fifth of eight children born to Elden Roger and Irene Collison Farley in Carroll, Iowa. The Farleys moved to Houston when Roger was a young boy. Roger attended Holy Ghost Catholic school and in first grade, met Renice Ann Kunzman. Little did they know, all those years climbing trees, riding bikes and collecting bugs would present as a foreword to a beautiful life.

Roger graduated in 1962 from Spring Branch High school where he was a cheerleader and accomplished swimmer and diver. Roger began his career in 1966 with Cameron Iron Works in the sales office of the Ball Valve Division, while attending the University of Houston at night. Roger’s assignments took him and his family to Beziers, Livingston and London. He traveled extensively to Asia, India and South America, earning his “million mile travel status” during the Iran/Iraq war and then in Kuwait. Roger retired from Cameron in 2011, after 45 years of service. Roger was an exemplary leader. Most would agree that Roger Farley was one of the most colorful, humorous and competent managers to ever grace the halls of Cameron. He was often heard answering his phone “Farley’s the name, sales is the game” or “Cooper Cameron, WKM, Demco, Orbit, Foster; aftermarket if you need it”.

Known for his crazy quick wit, infectious, one-of-a-kind smile, positive outlook and caring spirit, Roger was so very much fun to be around. If you played a part in Roger’s life, you were more than likely his friend. He so appreciated and respected excellence, hard work and attention to detail. Roger took pride in his work, and in turn, celebrated it in others. Roger made you want to be better, but you knew he loved and appreciated you just the way you were. Roger was a very loyal friend and would always help in any way he could. He was so loved by his friends and family. Roger often assigned nicknames; if you had one, you were special, and it made you smile.

Roger had a passion for many things. The saying ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ never applied to Roger, as he was a master of whatever his beautiful and gentle hands touched. He was in constant motion, always a project somewhere to be completed. If it was broken, just give it to Papa. It would be only a matter of time before it was made better than it was before; never needing to go on the “world wide web” to look it up to figure out how it needed to be done.

While most of us thought about it, Papa was making it happen. Roger loved his clocks, which kept time with precision. Roger was sentimental by nature; he dated everything. His common sense was unparalleled. Never without a diet Pepsi in his Styrofoam cup, his signature knock on the window with his Cougar class ring will forever ring in our ears.

Roger loved spending time in Jamaica Beach, TX, watching sunsets over the bay, from the house he so beautifully cared for. He’d often say “I’m goin’ fishin’”, but there was usually a chore or project he’d complete instead. He was a hard worker, a proud American, said a prayer before every meal and made his bed every morning. No one could make buttered popcorn, a sandwich or an ice cream cone like Papa.

No passion, however, was as great as the love Roger had for his family. Renice, that little girl he met in first grade, would become “his bride” in 1967, and he would lovingly refer to her as such for 52 years. He loved her so. Their daughter Ruey, was born in 1969 and son Ryan, in 1974. Roger changed diapers (before it was cool), coached little league and attended all of their swim meets and tennis matches, built go-karts and suffered through allergies, after it was determined he was allergic to “Jessie”, the family Golden Retriever and Macintosh, aka “Mac” the cat. There was never an event or project important to his family that Dad didn’t devote his time, talents or treasure toward.

The lights of Roger’s life were his grandchildren; Madeline Marie Garvis, Benton Roger Stephen Garvis, Kyle John Randal Garvis and Andrew Joseph Farley. Roger adored every aspect of fatherhood and Papahood. He was at every single event, whether behind the scenes, in the audience, teaching, tinkering, cheering from the stands, shuttling to and from, waving from the sidelines, making impromptu drives through the drive through, asking for their autographs, or yelling from the court. His love and pride often moved him to tears, and that was okay with him.

Roger was a gentle soul, the life force of his family. He will be greatly missed, forever, until we meet again.

Roger is preceded in death by his father, Elden, his mother, Irene, and his brothers Arthur, James and David. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 52 years Renice; his daughter, Ruey Farley Garvis and husband, Matthew; his son, Ryan Joseph Farley; his grandchildren, Madeline Garvis, and fiancé, Jerred Smith, Ben Garvis, Kyle Garvis and Andrew Farley; his brother, Mark Farley; his sisters, Cora Bartholomew, Cathy Anderson and husband Gary; Barbara Wolf and husband Reinhart; sister-in-law, Harriette Farley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A praying of the rosary will be held Tuesday, April 16th, 2019 from six to eight o’clock p.m. with the rosary starting at seven o’clock in the evening at Earthman Funeral Directors, Katy Freeway. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, April 17th, 2019 at St. Michael the Archangel on Sage Road at ten o’clock in the morning.

In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to the charity of your choice.