David J. Farrell
Visitation: Tuesday, December 28, 2021, from 4-7 PM at the funeral home.
Funeral Service: Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at 12:00 PM at the Colon Baptist Church with Pastor Curtis Bennett officiating. Private interment will take place prior to the service in South Colon Cemetery.
David J. Farrell, age 81 of Colon, passed away December 25, 2021, at Three Rivers Health.
David was born on February 24, 1940, in Flint, Michigan, a son of the late Benjamin and Marian (McGrath) Farrell.
David graduated from Flint Central High School with the class of 1958. David then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Education from the Baptist Bible Institute of Grand Rapids, now known as Cornerstone University. Shortly after, David completed Baptist Seminary School finishing in 1965. In 1972 David earned another Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University. Years later in 1978 David earned his Master’s Degree in Literacy also from Western Michigan University.
On June 9, 1962, David married his wife of 59 years Marilyn L. Perry at the Colon Baptist Church.
David worked as a clerk at the Perry Hardware Store in Colon. David also retired from Colon Community Schools after serving as an elementary school teacher for many years. David served as Lay Pastor for both the Colon Baptist Church and the Leonidas Bible Church for many years as well.
David was a devout member of the Colon Baptist Church. He served as the founding president, vice president, and treasurer for the Colon Historical Society, and served as secretary for 10 years on the Colon Park Board.
David is survived by his wife Marilyn L. Farrell of Colon, three children: James (Shari) Farrell of Rockford, Timothy (Brooke) Farrell of Rockford and Kimara (Joe) Geibe of Sturgis, grandchildren: David J. Farrell, Olivia A. Farrell, John I. Farrell, Benjamin J. Farrell, Lincoln P. Farrell, and John Walton Ceus, step grandchildren: Joe (Linda) Gest, and Paige (Zach) Spiegla, step great grandson Owen, sister Binnie (David) Markham, sister-in-law Linda Farrell and a nephew Thomas Farrell.
Besides his parents David was preceded in death by his brother Thomas E. Farrell, and a niece Susan Collier.
The Farrell family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, December 28th, from 4-7 PM at the Schipper Funeral Home in Colon. A funeral service will take place on Wednesday, December 29th, at 12:00 PM at the Colon Baptist Church. A private committal service will take place prior to the service in South Colon Cemetery. Service will be officiated by Pastor Curtis Bennett. The family asks any memorial donations to be directed towards either the Colon Historical Society or the Colon Baptist Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at Schipperfuneralhome.com.
December 27, 2021 @ 12:46 pm
Jim & Tim Farrell, I didn’t personally know your dad, but knowing you guys, I see that he probably was a humble quiet Godly husband and father and he raised you guys and your sister to be God fearing serving people. He did a fine job in raising you all. Tim & Jim, it’s an honor to have you as a friend.
Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this time.
December 27, 2021 @ 3:12 pm
I lived in Colon only for a few years during my childhood, Mr Farrell was my 4th grade teacher. He leaves a legacy of students who will call him “My favorite teacher”…. what more could a teacher want. Now in my 60’s I think about Mr Farrell from time to time, he was a kind man. He and I share the same birthday and for several years after I left Colon I received a birthday card from him.
RIP Mr Farrell
December 27, 2021 @ 5:51 pm
Sorry for the of Mr Farrell. Was allways a great help to Shirley & Phyllis. He will be greatly missed . Sorry that we will not be able to be at the viewing or funeral. Our deepest condolences. Mike & Diane Sturgis.
December 27, 2021 @ 6:55 pm
Thank you for your service to the community. Many thoughts and prayers.
December 27, 2021 @ 6:56 pm
From Barbara Roe, Deb Odell, Martine Angus.
December 27, 2021 @ 8:24 pm
Coach, praying for you all during this time. May He bring comfort during your grief until the day we no longer say goodbye, but all are home with HIM. Wish I could be there to give you a big hug. You bet I will make good on that threat when I see you back at work.
His peace and grace be with you all
December 27, 2021 @ 8:37 pm
I am heartbroken to know that Pastor Dave is no longer with us but thrilled to know he is standing before God…I can almost hear God saying “Well done, good and faithful servant”. He was always there for everyone…he made church fun! I still remember him eating his lunch on the roof of the church on Easter Sunday! I loved hearing him sing. He had a special place in his heart for children, you could see it especially when he did dedications. I never heard a cross word from him about anyone. His kindness was just one of his many endearing qualities. His love for the Lord made an indelible impression on my life. I accepted the Lord at age 18 and Pastor Dave was instrumental in my spiritual walk as a new Christian. Presently serving in hospital ministry, my journey all started with his example. So many memories, so little space! I send love and prayers for comfort to Marilyn, Jim, Tim Kim and their families.
December 27, 2021 @ 10:40 pm
I am so sorry for your loss! I wish I could make either the visitation or the funeral but we are away for a few days. Marilyn, my love and thoughts are with you and your children. Dave always had a smile and a story every time that I saw him, he will truly be missed.
December 28, 2021 @ 4:43 am
So sorry for your loss. It has been many years that I knew David and I am glad we were friends at that.
Many ime he was preaching a funeral and I would be there or we would see each other at visitations. He will be missed by many from this area. May God give you comfort at this time.
Pastor Alexander Sandy Miller
Nottawa United Methodist Church.
December 28, 2021 @ 11:07 am
Mr Farrell: a great choir leader, an amazing teacher and a wonderful role model! I have many wonderful memories of him both at church and at school. You will be missed. Praying for the family
December 28, 2021 @ 11:36 am
Mrs. Farrell, Jim, Tim, and Kim I am so sorry for your loss. Every conversation I had with Mr. Farrell left me feeling encouraged and cared for. The humble,gentle and compassionate life he lived has definitely been replicated in the two Farrell men I know the best, Jim and Tim. Praying for the Farrell family as you honor Mr. Farrell’s life that was lived for Jesus.
December 28, 2021 @ 1:29 pm
The Lord had blessed me for many years at St. John’s Lutheran church with having him share his talent by being in our plays. He was always an inspiration to me. RIP David.
December 28, 2021 @ 5:10 pm
We are missing you all in Florida and would be there today if we were in Michigan. Dave was an important person I our lives and his friendship with us has remained throughout the years. Marilyn, Kim, Tim and Jim…you all have a special place in our hearts.
May God give you peace at this time and know you are loved.
Dave and Mary Ann Gifford
December 28, 2021 @ 10:14 pm
Marilyn
Jim and Shari
Tim and Brooke
Kim and Joe
We are sad for you at your husband/Dad’s home going. But like all believers we know we will see him again. David always had a smile. It was a joy to be around him. We’re enjoying reading everyone’s comments about him. Your memories will be a great comfort to you. What a great legacy he has left you.
Be assured of our love and prayers.
Jack and Mary McCullough
December 30, 2021 @ 6:17 pm
Marilyn, Jim, Tim and Kim: You have been in my thoughts and prayers since I learned of David’s passing. Special memories, Marilyn, of the times we shared through our years at Colon School. And I have looked forward to the greetings and family news you have sent to me here in Montana each Christmas. David was a faithful servant of our Lord through the years and he will be greatly missed by not only you his family but by the Colon community. Bethel
January 5, 2022 @ 3:04 pm
Marilyn and family, We were so sorry to hear of David’s passing. Sure have such good memories of him at St. Paul’s Reformed Church reunions. He has always been so helpful to my family and to so many others. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Mary (Snook) Taylor
January 23, 2022 @ 7:58 pm
So sorry Marilyn and your family! David always had a smile on his face. Will miss seeing you folks at the copper kettle. He was a very well liked and served the lord. Milton & Marilyn Meyer