Mark D. Farmer

Stevensville- Mark Damien Farmer, 57, passed away at Lakeland Hospital on Dec. 31, 2008. He was attended by his wife, Sandy and daughter, Katy and the Reverend Monsignor Michael Osborne. Mark battled against Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 4th from 2-5 P.M. at Starks-Menchinger Family Funeral Home with Prayers will be recited at 5:00 P.M. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 A.M., Monday, January 5th at Saint Joseph Catholic Church. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mark was born Sept. 14, 1951 in Akron Ohio, the son of Evelyn McKeivier Farmer and E.H. “Bill” Farmer. His mother preceded him in death on Dec 11, 2008. Mark was a hard working man who retired after 30 years with Whirlpool Corp. More importantly he was a loving Husband and caring Dad with a joyful sense of humor. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, hiking, traveling and history. Mark volunteered for Little League, CCD and Habitat for Humanity. He was glad to know and work with many people across the country. Mark was a proud graduate of Walsh Jesuit High School, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and Akron University. He married Sandra Leidorf in 1980 and they were blessed with 28 years of happy marriage and 2 wonderful children, Matthew and Kathleen (Katy). Sandra, Matt and Katy survive him. Mark’s siblings were eager and willing to help fight this disease. Tom Farmer of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio was able to donate stem cells which aided in the curing of Mark’s Leukemia. The Lymphoma remained resistant. He is survived by brothers Michael (Carol) Farmer of Wadsworth, Ohio; David (Bonnie) Farmer of Marshallville, Ohio; John Farmer of Aurora, Colorado, Thomas (Anna) Farmer of Cuyahoga falls, Ohio, Matthew Farmer of Jupiter, Florida; Sisters Susan (Robert) Kinley of Akron, Ohio and Victoria (Greg) Rondy of Seville, Ohio; Uncles Karl and Larry Mckeivier, dear cousins, nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends. Mark was also loved by Sandy’s family who assisted as much as they could with prayers, affection and fostering our dog. We would like to acknowledge the help we have received in the past 2 years from the staff at Lakeland, especially the transfusion unit and 3S and Dr. Lester’s staff. The expert help at University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics all tried to help Mark past this hurdle. Dr. Wendy Stock gave us help and support 24/7. In lieu of flowers or donations please consider donating blood, stopping smoking, avoiding pesticides and starting any lifestyle change that will lessen this disease. The Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and the Bone Marrow Foundation were helpful to Sandra. Mark has himself contributed to Habitat for Humanity, Birthright , Readiness Center and St. Joseph Catholic Church.