Dr. James Robert Farkas

Dr. James "Bob" Robert Farkas, 79, of Sedalia passed away Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at his home. Dr. Farkas was born on November 23, 1942 in Eldorado, IL the son of James Farkas and Ruby Pauline (Barton) Farkas, who preceded him in death.

On February 26, 1965 in Omaha, IL, he was united in marriage to Carole Jean Butler, who preceded him in death on November 28, 2019.

Following his graduation from Eldorado Township High School in Eldorado, Illinois in 1960, he attended and graduated from the University of Illinois in 1963. While seeking to obtain his undergraduate degree, Dr. Farkas also obtained credit hours during the summer at the University of Southern California. After graduation from college, he attended medical school at the University of Illinois Medical Center Campus in Chicago, Illinois receiving his Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1967.

Following graduation from medical school, he did and internship in St. Louis. Following the internship, Dr. Farkas continued his medical career while serving his country by enlisting in the United States Navy being placed with the 3rd Marine Division in Vietnam from late 1968 through November of 1969. He spent time in Vietnam near both Quang Tri and Dong Ha. Upon returning home from the war, he was stationed at Chase Naval Air Station in Beeville, Texas for the remainder of his time in the service.

Following his military service, he completed a fellowship in nuclear medicine at the State University of New York in Syracuse, New York. Subsequent to the fellowship, he went to work at Cook County Hospital in the Illinois Medical District area of Chicago, Illinois. At the time of his employment, Cook County was one of the largest medical centers in the world and continues as such today. In April of 1974, Dr. Farkas relocated his family to Sedalia, Missouri and served the community as a physician and in many other capacities for well over forty years before retirement. He loved his medical staff and the physicians he worked with referring to them often as being like family.

His interests were too numerous to list, but the following is a sampling: 1) Any and all sporting events including and especially involving sports programs at the University of Illinois 2) He was fascinated with being a relative of Joe Namath and therefore was a fan of the New York Jets and the University of Alabama football team including Paul “Bear” Bryant’s career 3) Tinkering with any kind of electronic 4) His pets including his beloved companion Bolt the dog 5) Travel to California, Florida and other destinations and 6) Supporting local youth swimming and soccer as well as the athletic programs at Smith-Cotton High School for many years.

He enjoyed spending time with and trying his best to impart his wisdom onto his children and grandchildren. His loved his caregivers Barbara Jones, Hannah Meyer, Gloria Hartt, Jessica Dalton-Rogg and Coetta Jane Stratton and they loved him back all the more by providing him with excellent comfort, care, strength and humor. Such qualities were especially appreciated in the most difficult hours while Dr. Farkas courageously battled Parkinson’s Disease.

A special debt or gratitude is owed to his lifelong friend and sometimes medical partner Dr. Larry Lee of Sedalia. According to Dr. Lee, he’ll never forget meeting Bob at the Illinois Central train station in September of 1963 where a lifelong friendship was formed along with the stories to go with it. A special thanks to Dr. Lee’s wife Angie for numerous meals that were prepared during his battle with illness. Also, to Charles “Charlie” Lowe as he was ever present when needed over time to deal with anything related to home maintenance, support or anything of any nature that was needed. Additionally, a thanks to Rudy Lindgren who often accompanied Charlie on such missions. Dad also enjoyed his time with Tom “Coach” Knight who spent many hours watching sporting events with him and entertaining him with countless stories related to numerous subjects. Lastly, a special debt of gratitude is owed to Dr. Stuart Braverman of Sedalia for being a trusted friend in the medical community to Dr. Farkas and for being available to the family whenever medical assistance was needed by give his valuable time and effort.

Survivors include a son, R. Anthony "Tony" Farkas (Alecia), of Sedalia; two daughters, Karen Farkas of Sedalia, Lesley Cordle and her husband Mike, of Enterprise, AL; five grandchildren, Julianna Bourgeret of Birmingham, Alabama, Alaina Farkas of Chicago, Illinois, Amelia Schott of Fort Collins, Colorado, Anthony Schott of Sedalia and Sophia Farkas of Longmont, Colorado.

A celebration of life gathering of family and friends will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at Rea Funeral Chapel. Military honors will be held at 6:30 p.m. by the United States Navy prior to the Celebration of Life.

There will be a family graveside service and burial in Raleigh, IL at a later date.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Sacred Heart School Foundation or the Sedalia Animal Shelter in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.