Farr from Forgotten

MID-VALLEY — So many stories, so many ways for friends and co-workers to describe John Farr, whose life abruptly came to an end on June 16.

Those close to him said they were saddened to see him go, but at the same time remember the good days and fond memories they shared with the former Harlingen South speech, drama and theater teacher.

Earlier this week, a large crowd gathered at the Weslaco Tower Theatre in honor of Farr, who was extremely active as a director, actor and board member of the theatre for many years.

In all, Farr participated in 25 productions at the local theatre, including roles in "Annie," and "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown."
Shirley Atkins was one of the first people to meet Farr when he arrived to the Valley in 1982. Like many would learn soon after, Farr brought joy to those around him through his sense of humor. Atkins said Farr was a positive person who lightened a room with his jokes.

"In my lifetime, I've never met anyone like John," Atkins said. "I'm sorry to see he left early."

Harlingen police say Farr, 49, was killed June 16 in his Harlingen apartment. A teenage boy was charged with capital murder in connection with Farr's death, and remains in custody at the Darrell Hester Juvenile Detention Center in San Benito.

Atkins, along with her daughter Rise, could spend endless hours talking about the many good times spent with Farr.

Rise Atkins, who worked at least 20 productions with Farr, said she kept in touch with Farr every single day. Their last conversation was over the phone on June 14 (two days before his death), when they talked about school and retirement.

"He was so encouraging and positive," Rise Atkins said. "We spent a lot of time together at the Tower Theatre. Everybody on stage had their lives changed by him and he pushed you to be the best."

Farr did the same with his students.

Farr taught drama at seven different schools, including Donna High School from 1994 through 1998.

Weslaco resident Bethany Cox met Farr as an eight-year-old at the set of the theatre three years ago. Even at that tender young age, Cox learned something from Farr she'll never forget.

"Even if you had a terrible day, you can always be happy," Cox said. "Even if you're naughty, you could do better."

Donna Assistant Principal Bernadett Caceres first crossed paths with Farr when he was hired as a drama teacher at the campus. Without hesitation, Farr began talking with Caceres about him teaching her son.

"He had no problem talking to people," Caceres said.

The longtime assistant principal was just as amazed with how Farr managed to succeed at Donna despite some obstacles within the campus. Caceres said the auditorium at Donna was an aging complex, which often made the atmosphere uncomfortable for Farr and the students.

"When it rained, it would leak inside with puddles of water and no air condition," Caceres said. "He always prevailed."

Yet, Farr managed to direct students to as high as state level in one-act play competition, which was a regular accomplishment in all of his teaching stops.  

Caceres said she regrets not returning a message Farr left on her phone on June 11, adding that she may have missed the opportunity to enjoy one of his many clever statements, which she dubbed John Farrisms."

Although friends, co-workers and students have said their farewells in their own way, they all agree that Farr will always live on in their hearts and memories.

"He was a person you would never forget," Shirley Atkins said.