Herman Emmett Farnell

Herman Emmett Farnell, a native Mobilian and resident of Auburn, Alabama passed away peacefully in his sleep Friday, August 12, 2022 at the age of 82.

Born July 31, 1940 Emmett was a 1958 graduate of Murphy High School. Emmett volunteered for the US Air Force Reserve in 1963. Following his initial commitment, Emmett worked as a firefighter with the Mobile Fire Department and began coursework at Mobile College where he met his wife, Sarah Jo. The two were married in 1969. He graduated from Auburn University in 1971 and returned home to Mobile with Sarah Jo.

Emmett re-enlisted with the Alabama Army National Guard and served several years before returning to the Air Force Reserve. He retired in 2000 with the rank of Master Sergeant and over 25 years of service.

He began his professional career with Mobile County and later the City of Mobile where his career spanned over 40 years as the purchasing agent.

A competitive spirit and love of sport led Emmett to serve as a softball umpire for many years with both the American Softball Association and the Alabama High School Athletic Association earning the “Mr. Reliable” award from his peers due to rarely ever turning down an assignment.

After retiring from the city in 2010, Emmett moved back to Auburn. There, Emmett joined Farmville Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He spent countless hours volunteering in any capacity from sharpening pencils to serving on committees. Throughout his life he was a member at various times of West End, Dauphin Way, Cottage Hill, and Farmville Baptist Churches. Shortly before his death Emmett was honored with being deacon emeritus, having initially been ordained as a deacon in 1973.

Emmett celebrated a 45 year long marriage to Sarah Jo before her passing in 2014. The couple had two sons together, John and Stephen, both of whom followed in Emmett’s footsteps and graduated from Auburn University. Emmett was a lifetime member of the Auburn Alumni Association and an avid Auburn fan.

Emmett is preceded in death by his wife, Sarah Jo, brother, Henry Donald Farnell, and sister, Elaine Farnell Kopf. Survivors include his sons, John Bancroft (Kyrie) Farnell and Stephen Madison (Mary Elizabeth) Farnell; brother, H.R. (Carla) Farnell, Jr.; two grandsons Henry Joseph Farnell and Ian Michael Farnell; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who will all miss him greatly.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Methodist Medical Center, Commonwealth Senior Living, and Amedisys Hospice for the exceptional care and service they provided.

Visitation will be held at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika on Wednesday from 4:00-5:00 P.M. with a brief funeral service to follow. There will be a graveside service at Pine Crest Cemetery in Mobile on Thursday at 2:00 P.M.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Farmville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 3638 Auburn, Alabama 36831.