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William James “Bill” Farrell

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William James “Bill” Farrell

Birth
Saint Louis, St. Louis City, Missouri, USA
Death
9 Jun 2020 (aged 87)
Houston, Harris County, Texas, USA
Burial
Houston, Harris County, Texas, USA Add to Map
Plot
C-17, Row A, Site 37
Memorial ID
View Source
In Memory of WILLIAM JAMES FARRELL
JULY 2, 1932 - JUNE 9, 2020

William "Bill" Farrell went home to be with Jesus peacefully early Tuesday morning June 9, 2020 after having heard the many messages of love, prayers, thanksgiving and praise to God spoken over him the last few days with his family by his side at Willowbrook Methodist Hospital (John 4:14) (John 11:25-27).
Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years Carol Ann (Tranel) Farrell and their seven children: Jim Farrell (Julie), Joan Lewis (Dave), Jean Farrell, Julie Westlund (Steve), Joe Farrell, John Farrell (Teri), and Jeff Farrell; 13 grandchildren; Jason Farrell, Bernie Lewis, Joel Farrell (Sara), Kelli Callahan (Brett), Jamie Salfity (Nick), Stacie Lewis, Jack Farrell, Stephanie Westlund, Drew Westlund, Abigail Farrell, Jacob Farrell, Joshua Farrell, and Anna Farrell; 7 great grandchildren: Colton Lewis, Cameron Lewis, Savannah Lewis, Charlotte Callahan, Max Callahan, Avery Farrell, and Bryn Farrell; two siblings Charley Farrell (Carol) and Marie Froehlich; brother-in-law to Joan Nienhaus (Don). He is reunited with Betty Powers (Eugene), Jim Tranel (Mary Ellen), Clarine Selzer (Paul), Grace Sexauer (Bernard), Ruth Ruhmann (Butch), Winston Froehlich.

Bill gave his support, friendship and love so generously to all: his family, his church, fellow veterans, school mates, students, co-workers and his local community. Bill had a tremendous impact on so many, always thanking God for all the blessings that flowed thru him to others. Bill never missed an opportunity when family and friends gathered together to give a speech or toast that gave encouragement and thanked God for all our blessings.

Bill was born in St. Louis, MO, July 2, 1932 to William and Birdie Farrell. He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1950, enrolled in the Navy in 1951, and graduated from St. Louis University in 1957. Bill married his "Sweet Caroline" Carol Ann Tranel on September 1, 1956. The two were happily married for 63 years, always embracing the chance to dance with one another when their song "Sweet Caroline" played.

Bill was a St. Louis native. As a boy, he loved to swim and dive with his dad, who swam with the original Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller. At the age of 20, Bill joined the Navy and loved diving off the ships. He was hard-working through all the stages of his life: as a student, a teenager loading trains for Missouri Pacific Railroad, as a Navy veteran, a St. Louis University student, a Rockhurst Master's graduate, a Harvard Business School graduate, a railroad executive, a consultant, and a retiree.

Bill started his 38-year railroad career in 1950 in St. Louis with Missouri Pacific Railroad. As he advanced with the railroad, his family made 13 moves, making lifelong friends along the way. In 1969 Bill completed Harvard Business School's Executive Program; in 1974 he became Assistant Vice President of traffic in St. Louis; and in 1982 he became Vice President of Operations in Houston, TX for Union Pacific Railroad. Bill left a legacy at Missouri Pacific, Union Pacific and in the community, mentoring and helping countless people advance in their careers. Bill tirelessly contributed towards helping people, families and organizations during his lifelong journey. Bill was on the board of directors for several organizations and charities including Klein/Amegy Bank, Greenspoint Club, American Heart Association, North West Assistance Ministries (NAM), John Coopers School and the North Houston Association. Bill is remembered for his pronounced gifts of faith, leadership, generosity and his gregarious spirit. He possessed the unique gift to connect people to one another. Family and relationships were at the core of Bill's values. Everyone was important and significant to Bill. He led by example, always challenging others to become better versions of themselves, always supporting and comforting his family along the way.

After Bill's retirement from Union Pacific railroad in 1988 he started a consulting firm Farrell and Associates. Bill was an advisor of various business leaders and organizations. As a Grandpa, he was focused on supporting his grandchildren in their pursuits and dreams. Bill attended their events, games and graduations. He supported his grandchildren and enjoyed countless trips and dinners with them.
Bill was an avid racquet ball player, golfer, traveler, and an Astros, Rockets and Texans fan. His passion was mentoring friends and family during his 87-year long journey…
A journey that now it is our turn to toast Bill; "We love you, well done."

Donations may be made in Bill's memory to his favorite charity, Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) (www.namonline.org) where he led and served for many years. Due to the current COVID restrictions, a celebration mass of Bill's life will be held on August 7th at St. Ignatius Loyola, 7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, Texas 77379 at 11:00 am followed by a burial at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038 at 1:00 pm.

Neptune Society
In Memory of WILLIAM JAMES FARRELL
JULY 2, 1932 - JUNE 9, 2020

William "Bill" Farrell went home to be with Jesus peacefully early Tuesday morning June 9, 2020 after having heard the many messages of love, prayers, thanksgiving and praise to God spoken over him the last few days with his family by his side at Willowbrook Methodist Hospital (John 4:14) (John 11:25-27).
Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years Carol Ann (Tranel) Farrell and their seven children: Jim Farrell (Julie), Joan Lewis (Dave), Jean Farrell, Julie Westlund (Steve), Joe Farrell, John Farrell (Teri), and Jeff Farrell; 13 grandchildren; Jason Farrell, Bernie Lewis, Joel Farrell (Sara), Kelli Callahan (Brett), Jamie Salfity (Nick), Stacie Lewis, Jack Farrell, Stephanie Westlund, Drew Westlund, Abigail Farrell, Jacob Farrell, Joshua Farrell, and Anna Farrell; 7 great grandchildren: Colton Lewis, Cameron Lewis, Savannah Lewis, Charlotte Callahan, Max Callahan, Avery Farrell, and Bryn Farrell; two siblings Charley Farrell (Carol) and Marie Froehlich; brother-in-law to Joan Nienhaus (Don). He is reunited with Betty Powers (Eugene), Jim Tranel (Mary Ellen), Clarine Selzer (Paul), Grace Sexauer (Bernard), Ruth Ruhmann (Butch), Winston Froehlich.

Bill gave his support, friendship and love so generously to all: his family, his church, fellow veterans, school mates, students, co-workers and his local community. Bill had a tremendous impact on so many, always thanking God for all the blessings that flowed thru him to others. Bill never missed an opportunity when family and friends gathered together to give a speech or toast that gave encouragement and thanked God for all our blessings.

Bill was born in St. Louis, MO, July 2, 1932 to William and Birdie Farrell. He graduated from Beaumont High School in 1950, enrolled in the Navy in 1951, and graduated from St. Louis University in 1957. Bill married his "Sweet Caroline" Carol Ann Tranel on September 1, 1956. The two were happily married for 63 years, always embracing the chance to dance with one another when their song "Sweet Caroline" played.

Bill was a St. Louis native. As a boy, he loved to swim and dive with his dad, who swam with the original Tarzan, Johnny Weissmuller. At the age of 20, Bill joined the Navy and loved diving off the ships. He was hard-working through all the stages of his life: as a student, a teenager loading trains for Missouri Pacific Railroad, as a Navy veteran, a St. Louis University student, a Rockhurst Master's graduate, a Harvard Business School graduate, a railroad executive, a consultant, and a retiree.

Bill started his 38-year railroad career in 1950 in St. Louis with Missouri Pacific Railroad. As he advanced with the railroad, his family made 13 moves, making lifelong friends along the way. In 1969 Bill completed Harvard Business School's Executive Program; in 1974 he became Assistant Vice President of traffic in St. Louis; and in 1982 he became Vice President of Operations in Houston, TX for Union Pacific Railroad. Bill left a legacy at Missouri Pacific, Union Pacific and in the community, mentoring and helping countless people advance in their careers. Bill tirelessly contributed towards helping people, families and organizations during his lifelong journey. Bill was on the board of directors for several organizations and charities including Klein/Amegy Bank, Greenspoint Club, American Heart Association, North West Assistance Ministries (NAM), John Coopers School and the North Houston Association. Bill is remembered for his pronounced gifts of faith, leadership, generosity and his gregarious spirit. He possessed the unique gift to connect people to one another. Family and relationships were at the core of Bill's values. Everyone was important and significant to Bill. He led by example, always challenging others to become better versions of themselves, always supporting and comforting his family along the way.

After Bill's retirement from Union Pacific railroad in 1988 he started a consulting firm Farrell and Associates. Bill was an advisor of various business leaders and organizations. As a Grandpa, he was focused on supporting his grandchildren in their pursuits and dreams. Bill attended their events, games and graduations. He supported his grandchildren and enjoyed countless trips and dinners with them.
Bill was an avid racquet ball player, golfer, traveler, and an Astros, Rockets and Texans fan. His passion was mentoring friends and family during his 87-year long journey…
A journey that now it is our turn to toast Bill; "We love you, well done."

Donations may be made in Bill's memory to his favorite charity, Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) (www.namonline.org) where he led and served for many years. Due to the current COVID restrictions, a celebration mass of Bill's life will be held on August 7th at St. Ignatius Loyola, 7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, Texas 77379 at 11:00 am followed by a burial at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77038 at 1:00 pm.

Neptune Society


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