The Current Local, Van Buren, Missouri: Michael E. Farris, son of Helen Louise (Young) Farris and the late James E. Farris, was born July 13, 1954, in East St. Louis, Ill., and departed this life on Mar. 21, 2011, at his residence in Ellsinore, Mo., with his family by his side. He had attained the age of 56 years, eight months and eight days. Mr. Farris had resided in Ellsinore since moving here from DeSoto, Mo., in 1968. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army and served his country during the Vietnam Era. He was formerly employed with Briggs and Stratton in Poplar Bluff before he became disabled. He was of the Pentecostal faith and attended the Soul's Harbor Pentecostal Church in Van Buren. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and other family members. He loved to work and tinker and fix things. He also enjoyed fishing, four-wheeling, camping and spending his time outdoors. On Feb. 21, 1975, he was united in marriage to Sandra Gower in Ellsinore. Survivors include his wife, Sandra Farris; one son, Michael J. Farris and his wife, Shandell of Ellsinore; his mother, Helen Farris-Johnson and her husband Ray of Poplar Bluff; three brothers, James R. Farris of Sikeston, Larry W. Farris, Hunter, and Gary Farris and his wife, Paula of Flat River; three sisters, Rita Townsend and her husband "Bud" of Doniphan, Florence Armes and her husband, Donny and Laura Sappington and her husband, Doyle, all of Poplar Bluff; three grandchildren. In addition to his father, he was also preceded in death by one sister, Judy Schutte. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, Mar. 23, 2011, in the McSpadden Funeral Home chapel in Ellsinore, with Rev. Chuck Browning officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland Cemetery in Hunter, Mo., with military honors.