Robert G. Farnum

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Friday August 9, 2019, after a brief illness. Robert was born in Detroit, Michigan, on May 2, 1923, to the late Gerald and Eva Mae (Root) Farnum. He was a 1941 graduate of Millington high school where he shined in all athletics; primarily in baseball, basketball and football. While in his senior year, Roberts team went undefeated, unscored upon, he played both ways and called all plays from the end position . Following graduation, he attended the University of Michigan for his freshman year. Robert then enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps serving in both Cairo, Egypt, and Tel Aviv, Israel, ascending to the the rank of sergeant while receiving many awards and commendations before his honorable discharge. He married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Eleanor June Lynch on March 23, 1944 in Hastings, Nebraska. Upon his return from the army, Robert enrolled and graduated from Pharmacy School at Ferris State University and became a licensed Pharmacist. He worked for his father at the Jerry Farnum Drug Store on 6th and Lapeer Streets in Saginaw. Robert then worked for Valley Drugs in Carrollton which was eventually acquired by Walgreens and later by Rite Aid, working for all three until he retired at 65 years old. Following his retirement, Robert began to work part-time another 20 years with Rite Aid; retiring at age 85. He was a long-time member of Grace Presbyterian Church and currently a member of Countryside Trinity Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and all Detroit sports teams. Robert also enjoyed square dancing, playing Bridge and bowling. Above all, he loved and cherished his family.

Surviving are his wife of 75 years, Eleanor J. Farnum of Saginaw; their children: Daughter, Ellen A. Shoaps of Charlotte; her children: Robin Shoaps, PhD. of Fairbanks, AK; Son Dr. Jay (Teresa Hill) Shoaps M.D. of Duluth, MN; their children: Ellyn (Casey) Roberts and their daughter, Zoey; Harrison Crane; twins, Carter and Finn Shoaps; Una Shoaps, Zelda Shoaps; son, Gerald J.(Michelle) Farnum of Flushing; their daughter, Amanda Farnum and her fiance, Stefan Russell. Also surviving are children of beloved, deceased, son, Dr. Gordon R. (Margery) Farnum, DDS; Christopher Farnum of Saline; his son, Sean Farnum; son, Michael Farnum, PhD and his wife Katherine of Exton, PA; their daughter, Zora; son, Daniel Farnum and his special friend, Alison Scribailo of Tulsa, OK; sister-in-law, Alice Lynch of Caro; many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Gaynard Farnum, DDS.

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at the W.L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Road. Brant Piper will officiate. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens under the Auspices of the United State Army and VFW Post 1859. Friends are welcome to visit the family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Cancer Society .

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603