Donald Hastings Farrens

DONALD H. FARRENS Donald Hastings Farrens, age 72, passed away peacefully at his home in Avon Park on Sunday, August 1, 2010. He was preceded in death by his father, Ivan Farrens. Originally from Deland, FL, Don graduated with a degree in Agriculture from the University of Fl in 1960. He then obtained a Masters degree in education from Rollins College. Don and his family came to Highlands County in 1970 when he accepted a position at South Florida Community College. He served as Dean of Vocation and Adult Education, then Dean of Vocational and Technical Education in 1984 followed by Director of Special Programs in 1986 and finally Professor of Agriculture and Education in 1987. He retired from SFCC in May of 2003 after serving 33 years on the staff. Over the years Don participated as an active member of the Florida Association of Community Colleges, Florida Farm Bureau, University of Florida Alumni Association, Friends of Florida Folk and the First Baptist Church of Avon Park. He was a very active member of the Avon Park Rotary Club. He was also a FL master gardener. He enjoyed writing Bluegrass songs and was well known for his Bluegrass music playing for local community events. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Becky, son, Timothy (Tammy) Farrens, Haines City, FL; daughter , Tonya (Daniel) Wilson, St. Johns, FL; mother, Winona Farrens, brother, Michael (Carol) Farrens, all of Lake Helen, FL; sister, Phyllis (Fred) Jarvis, New Smyrna Beach, FL, six grandchildren, Kiersten, Carly, Jack, Jillian, Paige, and Adam, and numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 11:00 AM at the Avon Park Lakes Baptist Church with Rev. George Hall officiating. In Lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to the Florida Hospital Foundation or the SFCC Foundation. Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Avon Park, Florida