Robert Farris

Robert (Bob) Lee Farris, Sr. spent much of his life capturing the attention of those around him through his energetic dancing, vibrant tales, and rib-cracking jokes. It is with much love that his family announces his passing on January 18, 2022 at the age of 85. Adored dearly by his loved ones, Bob passed from this life surrounded by family.

Born on November 3, 1936 in Lexington, KY to Newell Thomas and Ollie Willard Marsh Farris, Bob’s enthusiasm for life was quickly apparent to those around him. Bob met the love of his life, Sylvia Ann Lowe, while passing the sacrament in church. He decided right then and there that he was going to marry her. They were sealed for time and all eternity on August 9,1957 in the Salt Lake City temple.

Together they started a family of eight children: Robert Lee, Jr. (Robin), Paul Newell (Mary), Donel Lynn, Rebecca (James), Ruth (Mark), Todd Nelson (Margaret), Jonathan Cordon, Sr. (Michelle), and Sean Michael, Sr. (Janna). Bob’s pride and joy was in the continued legacy of his family line. He is survived by 7 children, 32 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Donel Lynn. We feel a bittersweet joy in the long-awaited reunion of father and son.

After earning his Bachelor’s in Sociology at Brigham Young University, Bob began working as a social worker. Bob wore many professional hats throughout his life, all the while being devout and faithful to his family and many callings for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He and Sylvia served two full-time missions in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. Emulating his love for Christ, Bob sought to spread the gospel and improve the lives of every person he met.

One of Bob’s favorite activities was attending musicals and plays with Sylvia. He will be remembered by his fantastical storytelling, spirited acting, his clever play on words, dancing at weddings, his passion for gardening, his love for his country, singing “You Are My Sunshine” with family, his delight in eating Cincinnati Chili, his willingness to serve others and ability to forgive, watching BYU sports, blasting the television volume late at night, being the life of the party, and his determination to grow closer to his Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Bob taught his children to love deeply and to serve their fellow man.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 27, 2022 beginning at 11:00 am at the LDS Chapel located at 1460 East 900 South Springville, with the viewing that morning from 9:30-10:30 am MT, prior to the services.

For virtual attendance, click the following,  Zoom link https://zoom.us/j/96456487133

use the Meeting ID 964 5648 71.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Utah Food Bank on Bob’s behalf.

Bob expressed how he looked forward to his graduation from this life and reunion with his Heavenly Father. We will miss him greatly, but will continue to honor his legacy and enthusiasm for life through our own lives. Until we meet again.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

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