Oct. 13, 1917 - July 21, 2012

ELKHART — Thomas M. Farrell, 94, of Elkhart, ended a life of prayer and service on Saturday, July 21, 2012, at his home.

Tom was born Oct. 13, 1917, to the late James and Margaret (Regen) Farrell of County Kerry, Ireland. Tom was born on the same day that the Miracle of the Sun occurred near Fatima, Portugal.

He is survived by his five children, Kathy Jo (Dave) Marriott of Elkhart, Denise Kline of Elkhart, Jean Farrell of Elkhart, Joe (Patty) Farrell of Brandenburg, Ky., and Ed (Eileen) Farrell of Batesville; 16 grandchildren, Beth Marriott, Jason (Amanda) Marriott, Michelle Marriott, Kara (Mike) Kelley, Kevin Marriott, Tom (Justine) Kline, Niki (Patrick) Gonser, Daniel (Amy) Kline, Autumn McGrath, Amy McGrath, Ken (Jessi) Farrell, David Farrell, Steven Farrell, Robin Farrell, Michael Farrell and Brian Farrell; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years, Mary Kay (Schaefer) Farrell, and by his five siblings, John (Hazel) Farrell, James (Johanna) Farrell, Helen (Mike) Troy, Mary Farrell and Margaret Farrell.

Tom was a captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and spent seven years in the Philippines, Australia and the South Pacific. His father passed away while he was overseas. Upon returning to the states after the war, he married the love of his life, Mary Kay Schaefer.

He went to work as a claim agent for New York Central Railroad, which was purchased by the Penn Central Railroad and finally Conrail.

He retired in 1982 with more than 30 years of service.

Tom graduated from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis. He earned his bachelors degree from Butler University in Indianapolis. He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, where he was a lector and lead the rosary before Mass. He was a long term member of the Knights of Columbus.

Tom loved his church, his family, his pets and everything Irish, especially Notre Dame football. He was an optimist, loved people and made a friend of everyone he met. Long-time friend Dick Mackey recalled that Tom was always ready to help someone in need.

Please join his family and friends as they gather from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin Street, Elkhart. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 26, 2012, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Friends may call for one hour prior to the Mass. The Rev. Jim Farrell (Tom's nephew) will officiate with concelebrating priests. Burial and graveside services will follow at St. Vincent de Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church or the Knights of Columbus Food Basket Program.

---