Thomas "Mike" Farrell, 83, died Dec. 20, 2011. He was born Oct. 1, 1928, in Effingham, KS, to Jack and Hazel Cormode Farrell. Mike attended and graduated from Effingham High School. In 1946, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After being discharged, Mike married Grace Baugh in 1951. Mike had worked for Vincent Roofing Co. for 37 years and retired in 1988 to care for his wife. Grace later died of cancer in 1989. In 1990, Mike married Shirley Yingling Crawford. She survives.
Mike loved his family and Shirley's children as his own. He also enjoyed caring for his cattle. Many friends and animals were fortunate to meet this very special man who gave so much of himself and asked for so little. He is survived by wife, Shirley; Belinda Crawford, Topeka, Dorwin Crawford, Grantville, Gary (Sheryl) Crawford, Oskaloosa, Rebecca Joines, West Virginia; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brother, Jack Farrell; and sister, Dorthy Farrell.
Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23, at Grantville Cemetery. Mike will lie in state after 3 p.m. today at Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Countryside Christian Church, 3635 NE K4, Topeka, KS 66617 or Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 NW Rochester Rd., Topeka, KS 66617.