William A Farris

William A. Farris, 89, passed away on July 10, 2026. Bill was born January 6, 1937 in Adams County, Iowa. The second of three children of Harold and Mae (Jones) Farris. Bill graduated from Corning High School in 1954 and Iowa State University in 1960 with a degree in Forestry. He liked to say he was in the first graduating class of Iowa State University as it had been Iowa State College prior to December 1960.

Following graduation, Bill started working for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources as a district forester in Denison, Iowa. In 1964, he transferred to Le Mars, Iowa. After spending eight years in the field, Bill was promoted to Assistant State Forester and moved to Des Moines. He worked in this capacity until 1986 when he was promoted to State Forester. During his tenure, he served as president of the National Association of State Foresters. He and Leona were able to travel to meetings all over the country and made life long friends. Bill often traveled to Washington, DC to testify before Congress and work with Legislators on matters concerning forestry and conservation. The development of the Loess Hills State Forest was a dream of Bill’s that he was able to achieve in his career. He spotted the “perfect place” for a new state forest and scenic overlook during his time as a district forester in Le Mars. He often took his lunch break at the spot where the overlook is now located. Creating a space for Iowans to be able to enjoy this unique geological place for hiking, camping, hunting and forest management is a legacy that speaks to Bill’s dedication to his career.

Bill met Leona Herbert on his break from college at the Chicken Inn near Creston, Iowa. They married December 21, 1959. Bill and Leona enjoyed traveling including visiting all fifty states. New York City was a particular favorite destination especially after their daughter and grandkids moved there. They travelled to Greece, Italy and their favorite - Ireland. Bill loved going on camping and canoe trips with his colleagues and the OFART (Old Foresters Annual River Trip) still goes on to this day. Bill enjoyed all types of sports including Iowa State football, Cubs baseball and Premier League football. Bill and Leona were big supporters of the Arts as well - especially the Des Moines Playhouse where they had season tickets for decades. Bill and Leona spent 18 years living in North Port, Florida six months out of the year. They enjoyed the beach, spring training and all the time with old and new friends.

Family was of the utmost importance to Bill. He loved family reunions and holiday get-togethers. Bill and Leona opened their home to several nieces and nephews to live with them as the need arose. He had a big influence on younger family members and they all loved Uncle Bill. He loved spending time with his brother and sister-in-law who also often wintered in Florida. One of the biggest joys of his life was having all of his immediate family all in the same town for the last several years. He was so happy to attend the weddings of both his grandchildren and to hear of the birth of his first great grandson. Bill made sure that everyone was always taken care of and was having a good time.

Bill is preceded in death by his father, Harold Farris, mother, Maei Heimke, step-father, JR Heimke and sister, Norma Probst. Bill is survived by his wife, Leona Farris, daughters, Toni Farris and Susan (Dan) Bachman, brother, Glenn (Carol) Farris, grandchildren, Callie (Eric) Held and Austin (Megan) Bachman and great grandson, Oliver Held.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. For those who wish to honor Bill, the family requests that donations be made to The Arbor Day Foundation (https://www.arborday.org).