Norman Richard Farmer, 76, died on June 7, 2015 from complications of Alzheimer's disease. Norm is survived by his wife, Mary Allen-Farmer. He was born July 12, 1938, in Washington, DC, the son of Herbert Farmer and Dorothy (Milne) Farmer, both deceased. He was predeceased by an older brother, Robert. He is survived by a brother, Donald Farmer (Rachel), of Arlington, VA. Norm is survived by sons, Brian Farmer, Reston, VA and Richard Farmer (Renee), Frederick, MD, and their sons, Nathan and Ian. He is also survived by Janet Farmer, his sons' mother. Also surviving Norm are the following step-children and their families: Teresa Groff (Bill), Jefferson, MD, and their children, Diana, Maureen, Eric, Ian, Erin, and Duncan; Joan Taylor (Frank), Keedysville, MD, and their children, Kelly Merrbach (Greg), Daniel Taylor (Kateri), and Adam Taylor (fiancee, Maria Cocchiaro); Paul Allen (Pam), Brunswick, MD, and their children, Bradley (friend, Meranda Stoian), and Rachel; Susan Brown (Kurt), Burkittsville, MD, and their children, Hannah and Hunter; Philip Allen (Kathryn), Middletown, MD, and their children, Emma, Jillian, and Tess; Carrie Myers (Mark), Sharpsburg, MD, and their children, Alex and Andrew. Three great-granddaughters also survive Norm, Charlotte, Olivia, and Audrey Merrbach. Norm graduated from Montgomery Blair High School and served in the US Army, with a tour of duty in Korea after the war. After serving in the military, he worked at Comsat Labs in the electronics field until his retirement in 2002. Norm's real passion in life was singing, especially in church choirs. He started when he was eight and continued until his illness forced him to stop, just 10 weeks ago. Norm also sang with several choral groups in the Frederick area over the years. He loved to travel, especially in the western US and he loved reading World War II history. Norm was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, Braddock Heights, MD. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8pm, on Friday, June 12, 2015, at the Keeney & Basford Funeral Home, 106 E. Church St., Frederick, MD 21701. A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM, on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 6909 Maryland Avenue, Braddock Heights, MD. Father Gordon De La Vars will officiate. Inurnment will be private. Memorial contributions may be made in Norman's name to the Alzheimers Association, 108 Byte Drive, Suite 103, Frederick, MD 21702. Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com.
