Paul Farrell, beloved husband, and father passed away Thursday at Biloxi Regional Medical Center surrounded by family. He was a longtime resident of Gulfport where he retired from a 20 year career in the United States Navy.
Born in Gillette, Wyoming he moved to Cavour, SD as a young child, where he attended grade school. He went to high school in Yale, SD where he was a star basketball player. After high school he attended business college and then later joined the Navy where he served in Vietnam. He was stationed all across the states and many places overseas. He was a life member of VFW 4526 and was the Seam Squirrel of Pup Tent 2 Military Order of the Cootie. He was awarded the following military ribbons while in the Navy: Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy Excellence Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal w/3 Bronze Stars, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Ribbon and numerous other Navy awards.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Holly Marie and his parents, Chester and Evelyn Farrell.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Janice M. Farrell; his daughter Melanie Gardner and son-in-law, John Gardner; his son, Patrick Farrell and daughter-in-law, Malinda Farrell; four grandchildren, Ronald Paul (Sarah) Beaver, Hillary Beaver, Shelbie Lynne Farrell, Alyssa Marie Farrell; two great-granddaughters, Abigail Shaw and Lilith Beaver; uncles; and many other loving family members and dear friends.
The family prefers memorials to the Military Order of the Cootie Grand MS Jim Darrah, 130th 40th Place, Hattiesburg, MS 39402.
The family wishes to acknowledge the 5th and 6th floor staff at Biloxi Regional, especially nurses Heather and Ryan and also Dr. Quinones and Dr. McClendon. Their care was greatly appreciated.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, O’Neal Road, Gulfport where friends may visit beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors.
View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com