FRANKLIN
John Oliver “Ollie” Farner, 71, of Franklin, passed away on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016, at home.
He was a native of Buffalo, New York, where he was born Aug. 16, 1945, to his parents, Keith and Helen (Crosby) Farner.
John was a retired tax auditor with the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
He was most recently a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Franklin. Previously he served as a deacon and an elder at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He was also a member of the church choir; he was a passionate fan of music and a day rarely went by without him singing or whistling a tune, usually in his recliner.
John was a long-time member of the Midland Trail Golf Club. He participated in the Elks Lodge, Ten Pin bowling alley, Lyndon Recreation and the St. Matthew’s Babe Ruth baseball league.
He was a graduate of Union Collegein Barbourville, Kentucky, which is where he met his wife.
John also served his country in the U.S. Army Reserve.
John was an avid sports fan, a low-handicap golfer and high-average bowler. He attended multiple Masters golf tournaments, the Indianapolis 500, the NCAA Frozen Four and the World Series. He also experienced the heartache of the Buffalo Bills’ four Super Bowl losses.
John was a life-long dog lover. He held fond memories of Jenny, Duke, Molly, Maggie Mae and his “grand-pup,” Earl.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Viola (Bradley) Farner of Franklin; his children, Gracie (Andy) Halsey of Charleston, Mississippi, Laura (Andy) Bridges of Shelbyville and Keith (Kristi) Farner of Athens, Georgia; his brother, William (Louise) Farner of Manhattan Beach, California; and seven grandchildren, Clara Halsey, Abigail Bridges, Benjamin Halsey, Hannah Bridges, A.J. Bridges, Samuel Halsey and Amos Halsey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith Gerald and Helen (Crosby) Farner.
The family is planning a celebration of life service at 11 a.m. on Oct. 8 at Grace United Methodist Church, 1300 E. Adams St., Franklin. A visitation is being conducted from 10 a.m. to the time of the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Grace United Methodist Missions fund.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jessen Funeral Home, Franklin Chapel, 197 E. Jefferson St., Franklin.
