Donald Farren Jr.

Donald Russell Farren Jr., 70, passed away on January 19, 2017. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald R. Farren, Sr. and mother, Helen L. Farren. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Karen T. Farren, and their daughter, Nicole (Nikki) and son, Donald R. Farren, III (Tripp). D.R. as he was called, was born in Rainelle, WV as an only child, and moved to Richmond, VA, and then to Petersburg, VA, at a young age. Through his marriage, he inherited a large family known as the Thomas' and life took on a whole new meaning for him. A college graduate from VSU, his first job was that of a Police Officer in Petersburg, VA. Later, he started Farren Construction and became known for building and developing outstanding homes and communities. During this time, he served as the President of the Southside Home Builder's Association and President of the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited. After active duty in the late 60's, he continued serving in the Army Reserve until his retirement in 1995. He was a Drill Sergeant and retired as a Special Forces Senior Engineer Sergeant (Green Beret). D.R. continued to honor and serve his country for many years even after retirement. His military skills were put back to use as a private Security Consultant in the War on Terror. He deployed numerous times to third world hot spots in the Middle East and Africa, always ready to take on another assignment no matter what risk may lay ahead. Throughout his life, D.R. was an avid outdoorsman, athlete, and craftsman. He began as a high school wrestler and football player. Always a runner, in his mid-forties he became a tri-athlete. He competed up and down the east coast, doing races from Sprint distance all the way up to Ironman distance. Always athletic in life D.R. never knew life without a gym, where new friends were made and amazement was given for the 70-year-old D.R. ‘pumping iron'. D.R. was a humble and simple man despite all his skills and accomplishments. His priority was always his family, country, and being a friend to those that needed him. D.R. was loved by all those who knew him and will be dearly missed especially by his family, friends and Special Forces brethren. A Celebration of Life for D.R. will be held by Ed and Ellen Pruett on February 2, 2017 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 185 Waterfront Drive, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. Funeral arrangements by the Crater Road Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory 3935 S. Crater Road Petersburg, Virginia 23805. Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.

Visitation Details

Thursday, February 2nd, 2017 4:00pm - 6:00pm