Norman Clark Farthing

Norman Clark Farthing, 88, of Katy, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on April 29, 2017. He was born on July 14, 1928 in Welch, WV to parents who preceded him in death, Clarence Clark Farthing and Nannie L. (Lambert) Farthing of Welch, WV, then Holiday, FL. He was also preceded in death by his beloved sister, Pearl (Farthing) Christian and brother-in-law Jack L. Christian of Welch, WV and then Holiday, FL. His lovely and much beloved wife preceded him in death by five years, Eunice (York) Farthing, originally from Ashland, KY, but also born in Welch, WV. Although they were born in the same town only 12 days apart, Norman and Eunice did not meet until the summer of 1948, when they fell in love at first sight, while he was home on leave from the Navy. They were married for 63 years until her death in 2011. Mr. Farthing leaves behind two daughters, Vicki Farthing of Pasadena, TX, and Donna Farthing Weaver of Katy, TX, two grandsons, John Clark Weaver (Allison) of Houston, TX, and Zachary Weaver (Anna) of Littleton, CO), a great-grandson, Jones Weaver (son of John C. and Allison Weaver). He has a host of beloved nieces and nephews scattered throughout the country.

Mr. Farthing voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1946 after graduating from Welch High School. He was one of only two men in his recruit training class with test scores high enough chosen to enter the new Cryptographic Technician rating (specialty). His naval career lasted 24 distinguished years, through the end of World War II, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War. He rose through the enlisted ranks quickly to the top, becoming a Master Chief Petty Officer, spending his last duty assignment in Washington, D.C., where he began his Navy career. Mr. Farthing and his family traveled to many places throughout his career, many overseas. After Navy retirement in 1970, he and his family moved to Mrs. Farthing's hometown of Ashland, KY. He worked for Armco Steel for 17 years, retiring in 1987, when he and his wife moved to New Port Richey, FL to get away from cold weather! He spent more than 20 years of retired life fishing, going to the YMCA, and visiting with friends and family. In 2008, he and Eunice, along with daughter Vicki, moved to Katy, TX to be together with their other daughter Donna, during their advanced years.

There will be no formal memorial service at this time, but donations may be made to the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society or Resolutions Hospice of Katy in his memory.

Arrangements under the direction of NEPTUNE SOCIETY - Houston, Houston, TX.