Cherry Valley - Thomas Clayborn Farmer, 75, died June 23, 2011 after a very short illness. Born February 8, 1936, to S.V. and Mary (Smith) Farmer in Vendor, Arkansas. Married Janet L. Brown on January 8, 1955. Tom was raised in Sikeston, Missouri. He moved to Illinois in 1954. He then re-located to Green County, Wisconsin with his wife and children in 1968. In 1969, they moved to the South Wayne, Wisconsin area. He retired and returned with his beloved wife to Cherry Valley, Illinois in 2000. Over the years, Tom was a farmer, a steam hammer operator at Rockford drop forge, and maintained elevated water towers for Greenly. In 1954, he learned the building business working for his father-in-law. Most of his life he worked out of Monroe, Wisconsin as a carpenter, builder, and contractor for Modern Housing from which he later formed his own business known as Farmer Construction. Tom's greatest joy in life was his family. He was a good provider and protector for his family and took great pleasure in doing things to help others.

Survived by his wife of 56 years, Janet L. (Brown) Farmer; four children, daughter, Barbara J. (Clement) Lee; son, Randle S. Farmer, Richard Lee (Debra) Farmer, Regan C. (Laura) Farmer; sister in law, Charlene L. (Lay) Farmer; brothers, Lee (Mildred) Farmer, J. David (Pat) Farmer; sister, F. Mae Slaggley; nine grandchildren, Ashley, Kasia, Austina, Jade, Holden, Jennie, Sarah, Austin and Kaitlyn; a great grandchild due in September; and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father, S.V. Farmer; mother, Mary E. (Smith) Farmer; brother, Luell W. Farmer; and sister, Minnie A. (Farmer) Fales.

Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at Honquest Family Funeral Homes with Crematory, Rockford Chapel with visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, please donate memorials to OSF Hospice in Rockford. Express condolences and share memories online at www.honquestfh.com.