Obituary of Don Alan Farquhar

Rev. Don Alan Farquhar, age 93, stepped into God’s eternal presence on January 18, 2024 in Estes Park, CO with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law by his side.

Alan is survived by Natalie, his wife of 69 beautiful years, and his three children: Don Farquhar and wife Kathleen of Wylie, TX; Janell Jennings and husband Ricky of Estes Park, CO; and Todd Farquhar and wife Allison of St. Paul, TX. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

Alan’s life began in Navasota, TX on June 7, 1930. He moved to Houston, TX with his family at age 11. After graduating from high school in Houston, he worked as a draftsman at Humble Oil Co. He was soon drafted into the U.S. Army, where he drafted maps of Europe.

Upon completing his Army service, Alan returned home to Houston. At his home church, he met his future bride, Natalie McMenemy, and heard God’s call to ministry. He married Natalie, and they immediately moved to Austin, TX, where they both attended the University of Texas.

Alan graduated from UT with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and went on to attend Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, where he obtained a master’s degree in theology. During this time, Alan and Natalie welcomed their first two children, Don and Janell.

Alan was ordained in January 1960 and became an Associate Minister at First Presbyterian Church in Odessa, TX. During this time, Alan and Natalie welcomed their third child, Todd. Alan remained in ministry for 40 years, serving congregations in Odessa, Houston, Texarkana, and Arlington before devoting an additional 5 years to interim positions in McKinney, Mansfield, and Brenham.

Alan’s primary passion was for youth ministry. He served on the National Presbyterian Youth Ministry Council and was the author of two chapters in the denomination’s Guidebook to Youth Ministry and a creator of a national youth program, “Presbyterian Youth Connection”. He also led many conferences, mission trips, and ski trips focused on the spiritual development of youth. He leaves a legacy of mentorship, with several young people crediting him as a guiding hand in their decision to pursue ministry.

Alan was an avid snow skier and an accomplished artist. He had a love for the mountains of New Mexico, where he and Natalie often enjoyed watching the wildlife (including their grandchildren and great-grandchildren!) while hiking or relaxing on the back deck of their cabin. He recognized that the cabin was a gift from God to be shared with family and friends. It was his happy place, where he felt the greatest peace and joy.

The final year of Alan’s life was spent in Estes Park, CO, where he enjoyed breathtaking views of the mountains and wildlife daily from every window of the apartment he shared with Natalie.

Alan lived his life serving God, following Jesus, and loving, challenging, and encouraging people. Well done, good and faithful servant!

In lieu of flowers, Alan’s family asks that you consider a memorial contribution to The Coventry Reserve in St. Paul, TX (www.coventryreserve.org). A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 10 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington, TX.