Stephen Farmer

Stephen Richard Farmer, age 77, passed away after a lengthy illness, on October 20, 2024, at the VA Community Living Center in Des Moines, IA. A Celebration of Life will be arranged for family and friends in the Des Moines area at a future date. Funeral services will be held in San Antonio, TX.

Born in Kansas City, Mo. on August 25, 1947, into the growing family of Nancy (Kelleher) and Howard Farmer, Steve was the second child in a family that would grow to four children: Linda, Steve, Bill, and Paul.

The Farmers moved to Mason City, IA when Steve was in second grade. Steve attended Newman Catholic High School, where he was the trainer on the basketball team. Graduating in the summer of 1965, Steve took courses at North Iowa Community College before moving to Des Moines and enlisting in the Army. Steve’s time in the service took him across the United States and to Korea.

It was in Korea that Steve met his best friend, Raymond Dalton. It was through that friendship that Steve met his beloved wife, Ruth. Steve married Ruth Ellen Dalton on April 23, 1970. Together, they built a life full of love, raised their daughters, Karen Renea and Lisa Jewell, and embraced the joys and challenges of family life.

As the family moved from Texas to Iowa and back again, Steve pursued a career as an optician, like his father before him. Ultimately, Steve worked for Dietz-McLean Optical in San Antonio and Seguin, TX., retiring after almost 30 years with the company.

Steve was the last of his immediate family, being proceeded in death by his mother and father, as well as his sister and both his brothers. Steve’s wife, Ruth, passed away in May 2009. Steve is survived by his daughters, Karen (Steve) Sprague and Lisa (Ray) Wilfong, and his two granddaughters, Megan and Anella.

Steve had an easy-going nature, a passion for storytelling, and a life-long love of basketball, particularly the San Antonio Spurs. He left an indelible mark on everyone he met. His legacy is one of laughter and a life well lived. His family and friends will celebrate his life and share memories for many years to come.