1953-2026
David Arlen Farris, 73, of Sterling, Kansas, passed away January 11, 2026, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. He was born January 7, 1953, in McPherson, Kansas, the son of Leslie and Betty (Arnold) Farris. David was a near lifelong Sterling resident. He attended Sterling High School. David was a machinist for 42 years at Eaton Corporation, in Hutchinson, Kansas, retiring in August of 2013. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Sterling, where he was a 3rd degree Mason. David loved being at the lake, going fishing, tinkering, and was known for being a great mechanic. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan, enjoyed watching westerns, and listening to music. On May 10, 1975, David was united in marriage with Shirley Ann Cruth in Alden, KS. She preceded him in death on September 1, 2024. He is also preceded in death by his parents; and stepfather, Bill Miller. David is survived by his son, Chad Farris of Sterling, KS; daughter, Haley Brown and husband Joshua of Raymond, KS; three grandchildren, Owen Brown, Kevin Brown, and Khloe Brown; sister, Barbara White of Slater, IA; step-brother, Bob Miller of Colorado Springs, CO; and two step-sisters, Bobbi Burns of Newton, KS and Mary Piper and husband Bob of Manhattan, KS. Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., Friday, January 23, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with Mark Tremaine officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M., Thursday, January 22, 2026, at Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling, with family present. Memorials may be given to Rice Community Healthcare Foundation in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Sterling.
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