Obituary of R. Kirk Faris

Raymond Kirk Faris age 97 passed away on March 27, 2015. He was born July 26, 1917 in Kansas City Missouri. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Jewell Kimberling Faris. Kirk graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in journalism in 1940. As an undergraduate, he worked at the Kansas City Journal and had a poem entitled "My Jewel" published as a tribute to Jewell. Kirk traveled as a play director after college before moving to Chicago where he became an editor for the company newsletter at Babson Brothers. Kirk and Jewell were married on January 31, 1941. In 1943 Kirk was drafted into the army and was based in San Francisco. He served in the Pacific aboard a hospital ship. After moving to New York City, Kirk was a copywriter for the Kelly Nason Advertising Agency on Park Avenue from 1948-1959. Seeking a different work environment, Kirk moved his family to Philadelphia in 1959 and worked for the Lutheran Board of Education. His last position was with National Liberty Insurance Company from 1967 until his retirement in 1982. Kirk and Jewell moved to Tucson in 1986 and became Stephen Ministry caregivers through their church. Kirk also led a Christ Care grief group. After moving to Broadway Proper in 1998, Kirk led a news group as well as a grief group for the residents there. He resided there for 16 years. Kirk learned to use a computer when he was in his 80's and made many personalized greeting cards for his family and friends. Kirk is survived by a son, Richard K. Faris and his wife Marilyn of Bryn Mawr Pennsylvania, and a daughter Nancy C. Hippo and her husband Edwin of Round Lake Illinois. Kirk had two grandchildren, Tracy Faris Kline and her husband Richard, of Bryn Mawr Pennsylvania, and Frederick Hippo and his wife Nicole, of Ellisville Missouri. Kirk had six great granddaughters. Memorials may be made to Tanque Verde Lutheran Church. Viewing to be held Monday evening March 30 at Brings Broadway Chapel 6910 East Broadway, Tucson, AZ. Memorial Service to be held at Tanque Verde Lutheran Church on Tuesday March 31, 2015 at 1pm, burial at All Faiths Cemetery following the Memorial Service.