Kenneth J. Farthing

Dr. Kenneth J. Farthing, of Fayetteville, died November 2, 2010 at Washington Regional Medical Center. He was born February 5, 1928 in Prairie Hill, Missouri. He was the son of Nova and Bertha McCart Farthing. He was a professor emeritus and department head at the College of Education at the University of Arkansas where he taught for 25 years before his retirement. After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps near the end of WW II, he attended the N.E. Missouri Teachers College, where he received his B.A. and M.Ed. degrees. He later attended the University of Iowa, where he received his Ph.D. He worked as a quality control inspector (at the Ford Motor Co. Aircraft Division at Kansas City, Mo.) for 2 ½ years and as a high school teacher for three years after receiving his bachelor's degree. After receiving his master's degree he served as a school superintendent in Missouri and Iowa school districts for 10 years. After receiving his doctorate, Dr. Farthing began teaching at the University of Arkansas. While at the University, he helped conduct many school studies in Arkansas and neighboring states. He was a frequent speaker at school law and school administration meetings in Arkansas and nationally. While at the University, he also taught courses in Greece and Bolivia. Survivors include his wife, Nelda Lewis Farthing, two daughters, Jan and husband, Keith Vire, and Shawna and husband Calvin Jarrett of Fayetteville, one son, Larry Farthing and wife Bridget of Forney, Texas, six grandchildren, Kristofer, Joel, Daniel, Julie, Michael, and Kaley, one great-grandson, Jonah, and two sisters, Joyce Baer of Salisbury, Missouri and Sandra Patterson of Ellabell, Georgia. Funeral services will be at Rolling Hills Baptist Church in Fayetteville on Friday: November 5, 2010 at 1 p.m. with Reverend Steve Sheely officiating. Private burial with Military Honors will be at Fayetteville National Cemetery. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.nelsonberna.com. In lieu of flowers, family request donations are made to Hope Cancer Resources, 5835 W. Sunset Avenue, Springdale, Ark. 72762-0751. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home & Crematory of Fayetteville, Arkansas.