Jerry D. Farner, 79, of Towanda, started his new life on July 17, 2008 surrounded by his family at his home. Services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Towanda United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in Towanda Cemetery.

He was born March 11, 1929 at Barnes, the son of Harmon and Nora Quincy Farner. Jerry graduated from Barnes High School and served in the United States Navy from January 1951 to November 1954. He was a retired refinery worker. Jerry was a member of the Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers Union, and loved to fish, motorcycle, racing, boxing and was a mechanic in his spare time.

On March 27, 1954, he was married to Rachael Waits in San Diego, Calif. She preceded him in death in 2002.

Those he leaves are his children and their spouses, Joe and Terri Farner of Sparks, Nevada, Jack and Becky Farner of El Dorado, Jim and Junilda Farner of El Dorado, Jon and Tammy Farner of Lyons,  Jay and Linda Farner of Towanda, and Renee and Garrett Daharsh of Towanda; brother, Joe Farner of San Antonio; a sister, Elizabeth Mueller of Wichita; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Jerrie; and a grandson, Jake.

Memorials in his memory for Hospice Care of Kansas or the Humane Society may be left with Carlson Funeral Home, El Dorado, which has charge of the arrangements.

Condolences for the family may be sent to www.carlsoncolonial.com.