Donald E. "Don" Farris

Donald Edward Farris had a peaceful transition into the arms of Jesus on January 1, 2024. He was surrounded by his children and one of his dearest friends while bluegrass music was playing in the background. While his loss is very sudden and unexpected, we know he is dancing in the presence of Jesus with his wife of 42 years. We are so thankful for their reunification.

Don was born and raised in Norman, OK, to Ken and Juanita Farris. His favorite childhood memories included fishing, boy scouts, OU football, traveling with his family, and playing the Banjo. He had especially fond memories of the four summers that he worked at Camp Lincoln, a boys camp in Minnesota. Don graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1970 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He earned a Master’s degree in Structural Engineering in 1976 from Oklahoma State University. He received his professional engineering license in 1974 and became a registered land surveyor in 1977. With the exception of one year, he spent the entirety of his career working for Grossman and Keith Engineering Company, for a total of 44 years and 149 days (because Don was always very specific).

Don met the love of his life, Marcia Jean Thompson, in 1976. They met at the Oklahoma City Ski Club, where they proceeded to enjoy many ski trips together. They were married on September 3, 1977, and spent 42 wonderful years together. They welcomed two beautiful children, Denise Elizabeth and James Martin “Marty.” They enjoyed traveling together as a couple and as a family. Don traveled to all 50 states in his lifetime and has been to numerous countries. The Farris family shares a love of OU Football. Attending home games as a family was an important tradition and a cherished family memory. Don was a season ticket holder for OU Football for over 40 years.

In 1966, Don was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. In the decades that followed, he underwent numerous hospitalizations and surgeries. Even though his life was full of countless check-ups, medications, tests, and dietary regimens, he thrived and chose to live his life to the fullest and not be tethered down by his chronic conditions. He was an avid cyclist and participated in several cycling events. Most recently, he challenged himself in distance walking and successfully walked over 4,000 miles in the past four years. He also clung to his Faith and trusted in God’s sovereignty even in the hard times. He was a proud member of First Baptist Church for over 30 years and was ordained as a Deacon of the church in 2004.

Don is perhaps best known for his baking and cake decorating skills. Even people who do not know him personally know about his cakes and cinnamon rolls. Baking for others was his way of showing love. He particularly enjoyed baking and decorating cakes for his grandchildren. His other hobbies included woodworking and building model airplanes to fly.

Don lived a full life and was loved by so many. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marcie, and his parents, Ken and Juanita Farris. He is survived by his children, daughter Denise Benzer and husband Jon of Edmond, and son Marty Farris and wife Ronni of Norman. He is survived by four grandchildren, Will and Wyatt Benzer, and Anna and Matthew Farris. He is survived by his older sister Linda Bryant and husband Jerry of Dallas, TX, and his older brother Ken Farris and wife Sherrie of Westminster, CO, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bikes and Bibles Ministry at First Baptist Church, Norman.

Service will be livestreamed.   https://youtube.com/live/iostrMgkUYg?feature=share