Rodney Arthur Farmer

Rodney A. Farmer (Rod) passed away on June 19, 2026. A deeply loving, loyal and devoted man, he is survived by his wife of 72 years Shirley Ann (Ratz) and his four children: Brenda Bauman, Debra Towner, Kenneth (Shari) Farmer and Linda (John) Lyon. He was deeply proud of his 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. 

Born in Trinidad on February 2, 1929, he was preceded in death by parents James (born in Barbados) and Mildred Farmer (born in Trinidad) as well as his brothers and sisters, Isma, Lyle, Sybil, Noel and Phylis. Rodney was a graduate of Queens Royal College in the island’s capital, Port of Spain. In 1949, Rodney and his parents immigrated into the United States. Shortly after his arrival, Rodney was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he bravely served as Sergeant in the 2nd Infantry’s Artillery Battalion during the Korean War. Upon returning home from Korea, he met Shirley and they married on October 10, 1953. 

He built their home with his own two hands in Southfield, Michigan, and later remodeled their cottage on Crooked Lake in Chelsea. As a family, they spent all of their summers on the Lake, enjoying swimming, sailing, and golfing. Rodney retired from Ford Motor Company in 1987 as an Engineer. He and Shirley began spending the entirety of their summers at the Lake House and their winters in Nokomis, Florida. By 2010, they had moved permanently to Florida to enjoy retirement.

Rod was affectionately known by those close to him as Papa. Papa will always be remembered for his infectious laugh and trademark Trindidadian accent, his humorous recounting of family stories, and above all: his kind heart. Papa had no enemies, and was rarely spotted without a smile. With the playfulness and energy of a kid, he found happiness in bringing joy to all who were young, especially his grandchildren. When the adults would rattle off the usual excuses as to why they didn’t want to get into the lake, you could always count on Papa sliding open that screen door, strutting out in some goofy bathing suit and, with grandchildren cheering him on, running down the dock to make the biggest splash of all.

Papa was unbelievably unselfish, loyal to the bone, and as kindhearted as they come. He will be missed forever, and never forgotten.His family has organized a memorial service to honor Rodney's life and military service. It will be held at Farley Funeral Home in Venice, Florida on June 24 from 12:00-2:00 pm.In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation to the following charities in honor of Rodney A. Farmer:

Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay 841 Venetia Bay Blvd. Venice, Florida 34285Affinity Hospice Care of Sarasota 8590 Potter Park Drive Suite B, Sarasota, FL 34238