Jack Clayton Farris Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Jack was born in Enid, Oklahoma to Carl and Winnie Farris. After graduating from High School in Capitol Hill, he joined the U.S. Army to fight in World War II. He saw combat in Germany and was headed to the Philippines when the war ended. After discharge, he returned to Oklahoma, married his life mate, Mildred Ruth Johnston, obtained his degree in electrical engineering from the University of Oklahoma and joined the General Electric Company. Mildred was born in Ft. Smith, Arkansas to Merle and Benjamin Johnston, but grew up in Oklahoma City, where she met Jack. When Mildred graduated from Capitol Hill High a few years after Jack, she accompanied her family to the Panama Canal Zone where her father was then stationed. As the war ended and soldiers were returning home, Mildred insisted on returning to Oklahoma City to be where Jack was headed, so he wouldn’t be “snatched up” by someone else. They were married in April 1947 and moved to the University of Oklahoma to start classes there, with Mildred majoring in Art. Over the course of their marriage, Jack’s career advancements with General Electric moved them many times to many places. Both were active volunteers in their communities and Mildred also continued to pursue and practice her organizational and artistic talents. They retired to Pagosa Springs, Colorado and ultimately to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their marriage of 68 years blessed all who knew them. Jack and Mildred are survived by son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Melissa Farris, daughter Becky Miller, grandchildren David, Jennifer, Becky and John, great grandchildren Eva, Rose, Samuel and Adley, Mildred’s sister Virginia Gafford and many beloved grand nieces and nephews.

Jack Clayton Farris

July 14, 1925 - February 22, 2015