Joseph Patterson Farrell

Joe went to Heaven on July 19, 2013. He was born June 16, 1922 in Muskogee, OK, not too long before the GREAT Depression to Bernard and Anna Mae Farrell. Early on Joe showed he had a great thirst for knowledge and his parents instilled in him a tremendous work-ethic. After graduating high school, he was drafted into the Navy, where he proudly served as a Lt. Commander during WW II as a naval fighter pilot. Joe was a decorated war hero. He was shot down three times and luckily survived and was rescued each time. After the war, Joe maintained his pilots' license, and took great joy in flying. Because of his time in the service, the G.I. Bill afforded him a chance at a quality education. Joe was not satisfied with the status quo; he attained not just one degree, but three. Two of his degrees were from the University of Oklahoma, as well as one from Tulsa University, respectively. His degrees earned were in Geology, Geophysics, as well as Zoology. After college, his career path led him to Chicago, IL where he started his career with Pure Oil Co. This was where the true adventure began; In Chicago he met the love of his life, and wife of 54 years, Catherine Benamati. Work then led him to Central Ohio, Southern Illinois, and ultimately back home to Oklahoma. Now with four kids in tow, Joe and Cathy were back home! Joe had many interests; participating in and watching various sports, raising his family, and doing crossword puzzles. Joe had a brilliant mind. In addition to his many interests, Joe fancied himself as a gourmet, not afraid to experiment in the kitchen. He was a true "foodie" before it was popular. Joe loved preparing a feast for birthdays, holidays, or an anniversary; a time for the family to gather. Joe also took great pride in serving his parish community of Christ the King Catholic Church. A devout Roman Catholic, Joe was willing to extend a helping hand to people in need. He held various positions with the Christ the King. Joe was also very involved with the St. Vincent De Paul Society. He was also very active in the Geophysical Society. Joe leaves his wife of 54 years, Catherine; daughters, Patricia Farrell Wadley and her husband Keith of Oklahoma City and Mary Farrell of Oklahoma City; sons, Jim Farrell and his wife Kristine of Plano, TX, and son, J. B. Farrell of McKinney, TX. Along with grandchildren, Jessica Morris Knutson and Clayton Knutson of Arlington, TX, Alexander Farrell of Plano, TX, Duncan Farrell of Plano, TX, and Lucas Farrell of McKinney, TX. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, July 23 at 10 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8005 Dorset Dr., Oklahoma City. Burial will follow at Resurrection Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe's name to the Christ the King's Bridge to Greystone.