Walter Farmer

Walter L. Farmer Jr. passed away January 29, 2014 at his residence in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He was born in Jacksonville, FL in 1946 to the parents of Walter Louie Farmer & Verona Metts Farmer. He grew up in Jacksonville with his younger brother, Malcolm Farmer. His love of music started in his childhood, when he started at piano and played his parents' favorite songs. Walt graduated Florida Atlantic University in 1968 with major in piano and a minor in voice. After graduating, Walt taught music and American history at in Jacksonville and San Antonio, TX. Walter enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1969 and attended officer training school. His military career would have him wearing many hats. He had a short stint in Laredo where he attended flight school and was a Titan II launch officer & missile procedures trainer in Little Rock AFB, 308th Strategic Missile Wing, 373rd SM Squadron. He was also a basic training squadron commander in San Antonio, TX. After being diagnosed with throat cancer in 1971 and lung cancer in 1976, Walt retired at the rank of Captain. He was indeed a patriot, for not only did he serve his country in the Air Force, but he also worked with numerous veterans associations, helping those who also served proudly for our country. Walt wouldn't let cancer slow him down. Returning to his musical roots, he worked as a radio DJ and news announcer at Trinity University and two other commercial radio stations in San Antonio. He worked on radio voiceovers and TV commercials and was also the owner of Gramophone Records. Walt married his wife Kathryn Roberta Rupert in 1984 in San Antonio. They had many wonderful years and adventures together. Walt's love of nature drew him to many countries, and ultimately to Jackson Hole. Here Walt and Kay enjoyed hiking together and he captured indelible memories through his photography. Walt had a wide variety of projects in the community. He worked with the Jackson Hole Shootout Gang, volunteered at the Grand Teton Music Festival and later was a house manager for several years. His love of history naturally drew him to the Historical Society as a volunteer. Music once again surfaced by his volunteering for the Jackson Community Radio station KHOL. He worked on international shows, Latin shows and big band shows. He was also an avid amateur astronomer, which offered another opportunity for photography and he loved to share the love of the night sky with friends and visitors. One of his proudest moments was becoming an author. He published a book Wyoming, A History of Film and Video in the 20th Century. Included in the book is a film history of "The Making of Shane in Jackson's Hole, Wyoming" which was a film he enjoyed. After working with the shootout gang in Jackson he published Shootout on the Town Square: The Story of the Jackson Hole Shootout. Walt was a good soul. He loved his family and his friends and he felt it was an honor and a gift to have so many in his life. Walt is survived by his wife, Kay Farmer; his brother, Malcolm Farmer of Jacksonville, FL; his nephew Matthew Farmer of Jacksonville, FL and niece Amanda Seratt of Jacksonville, FL. He was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed. Buddy and Ninja, Walt and Kay's purring kids are missing his spirit as well. Walt's memorial service will be on Monday, Feb. 10th at 3p.m., with a reception at 4p.m. at The Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole. The physical address of the church is 1251 South Park Loop Rd. Walt has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Fisher House, www.fisherhouse.org/donate or by mail to: Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, MD 20850-5168 The Fisher House helps families of veterans.

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