Longtime San Luis Valley resident Austin “AJ” Joe Farris, Sr., 80, died peacefully August 15, 2013 at his home in Alamosa surrounded by his family and under Hospice care.
AJ was born to June and Vesta Martin Farris on July 13, 1933 in Lydalisk, Arkansas. He married his wife of 54 years, Patricia Lou Holland on December 24, 1958 in Clinton, Arkansas.
AJ worked for many years as a Blade Operator in Construction and was a hard worker. He was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers.
In his spare time he loved watching the Denver Broncos football games and rarely missed a Denver Nuggets basketball game. He also enjoyed watching college sports. In his earlier years, AJ enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He is survived by his wife Patricia Farris of Alamosa; his children Tamera (Stan) Townsend of Monte Vista, Austin Joe Farris, Jr. of Alamosa and Sheila (David) Schwulst of Soda Springs, ID; his brothers and sisters T.L. (Kathy) Farris of Kahoka, MO, Louine (the late Bill) Tester of Clinton, AR, Doug (Carolyn) Farris of Tremont, IL, Dwaine (Pat) Farris of Fairfield Bay, AR and Sherry (the late Roger) Alman of Norfork, AR; his grandchildren Matthew, Ethan, Katy, Chelsea, Kendra and Allyson; his great-grandson Beau David; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
AJ is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers and sisters Raz Farris, Royce Holt, Bobbie Coker, Gary Farris and his brother-in-law Roger Alman.
Cremation was chosen and a private family ceremony will take place at a later date.