Robert Farrell

Robert Wendell Farrell was born in Lucas, Iowa, on January 11, 1927. The son of Fred and Esther Farrell, Bob was one of eleven children, including his identical twin brother, Richard Randall Farrell. Of his ten siblings, only his younger brother Joe has survived him.
Bob grew up on a farm, attending school in nearby Chariton, Iowa. In 1945, he married the love of his life, Betty Jean McKinley, now his widow. This August 26th would have been their 66th wedding anniversary. Bob and Betty enjoyed a wonderful life together, filled with laughter and music. Their daughter, Martha Jean Erickson, was born in 1946, and she immediately became their greatest source of pride, achieving success in every challenge she tackled. Martha and her husband Ron Erickson gave Bob and Betty two grandchildren, Ryan and Erin, and four great-grandchildren-Clara, Miles, McKinley, and Elise. Bob and Betty's son, Steve, was born six years after Martha, and he and his wife Vicki have two children, Adam and Erika, who are both happily married.
Bob and Betty started their marriage in Chariton, attending The First Baptist Church with their daughter, Martha. By the time their son Steve was born, they were living in Owatonna, Minnesota, but they moved to West Des Moines shortly thereafter, where they remained until Bob's retirement from The Des Moines Register and Tribune in 1983. Following his long and successful career as an advertising executive for the newspaper, Bob relocated to Houston, Texas, where he and Betty intended to retire. But, shortly after their move, Bob decided to return to his profession by working for The Houston Post, once again in the newspaper's advertising department. He also helped promote Radio Music Theatre, the live comedy club that was owned and operated by his son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Vicki.
Bob and Betty lived happily in Houston until his health began to fail in recent years. Bob was remarkable in his ability to recover from the series of illnesses and injuries that challenged him, because he was so full of life, and he was determined to stay with his family and friends. With his charm, humor, and outgoing nature, Bob continued to make new friends every day of his life. Finally, after spending most of his last few months in hospitals and nursing homes, he passed quietly in his sleep on August 16th.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 20th, at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Fielding Funeral Home in Chariton.
Bob will be greatly missed by his wife, his family, and his innumerable friends.
Local arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. The online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.