Bernard L. 'Bernie' Farris

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Bernard L. "Bernie" Farris, 72, longtime resident of Ridgway, died Sunday, July 19, 2009 in Deaconess Hospital, Evansville, Ind.

Bernie was born on May 5, 1937, in Eldorado to the late Wilburn and Agnes (Morrison) Farris. On Sept. 29, 1956, he married Barbara (Alvey) Farris, who survives.

Bernie worked his entire life as a carpenter. He started as a young boy with his father and later in life worked with his son as Farris Construction. Bernie was very proud of his work and was known for his precise ways of construction. Bernie was a past member of the Ridgway Lions Club, but mostly loved to be around his family and friends. He was a good father, husband, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be missed by the community.

Bernie is survived by his wife Barbara of Ridgway; two sons, Keith (Carol) Farris of Ridgway and Jerry (Linda) Farris of Flanagan; two daughters, Kathy (Steve) Mathews of Leamington and Jeannie Givens of Ridgway; one sister, Melissa Drone of Ridgway; one brother, Richard Farris of Indianapolis, Ind.; 12 grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael, Katie, Kimberly, Kristina, Kara, Lee, Philip, Lynley, Jordan, Emily and Ashley; 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was also preceded in death by one brother, Bud Farris; and two sisters, Margaret Barnett and Mary Ellen Bates.

Visitation for Bernie will be 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at the Cox and Son Funeral Home in Ridgway. Funeral service for Bernie will be 10 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2009, at the funeral home. The Rev. Jim Allison will officiate and interment will be in Jackson Cemetery near Ridgway.

If unable to attend, you may leave condolences or a memory to the family at the Internet site www.coxandson.com.