Rich Farr

Rich Farr, of Topeka, Kansas, died on October 30, 2026, in Topeka. He was 78. Born on September 15, 1948, in Salina, Kansas, Rich lived a life marked by steady devotion to learning, creativity, and the people around him.

He graduated from Salina High School in 1966 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Emporia State University in 1970. In 1971, he began what would become a long and meaningful career with Topeka Public Schools. He first taught art, then became curriculum coordinator for East Topeka Junior High. He later served at Roosevelt Junior High, where he taught both art and math, and then at Chase Middle School as an art and computer teacher as well as curriculum coordinator. After 35 years of service to the Topeka School District, he retired, leaving behind a legacy shaped by patience, knowledge, and care. Even in retirement, he never truly stopped teaching; he was always ready to show someone how to do something, explain an idea, or share what he had learned.

Rich brought that same spirit to the rest of his life. He had a great sense of humor that remained clear until the end of his life. He was very caring, always concerned about other people, and was one of the most understanding people a person could meet. He could be reserved at times, yet at others he was a true social butterfly, moving easily into conversation and community.

His interests reflected both energy and artistry. He enjoyed dancing, silver smithing, photography, bicycling, and motorcycles, and he was involved in three different tai chi groups. He liked to work in the yard, loved to barbeque, and found pleasure in reading. He also belonged to the MG club. Through these many pursuits, Rich expressed a lively curiosity and a delight in both making and doing.

At the heart of his life was his marriage to his wife, Karen. They were married for almost 55 years, sharing a long partnership built over decades of everyday life, companionship, and love. She survives.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Leland and Velma Farr, and by his sisters, Carol and Julie.

Rich Farr will be remembered as a gifted teacher, a thoughtful and caring man, and someone whose humor, understanding, and generous spirit stayed with those who knew him. His life was one of quiet dedication, enduring love, and an abiding desire to help others learn and grow.

A Memorial Visitation will take place from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Monday November 9, 2026 at Penwell Gabel Funeral Home in Topeka. The family requests that you come as you are, this is not a formal event.

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