Roll Call Tribute

Don B. Farrell, DVM
February 9, 1927 – October 12, 2022

IN THE CARE OF
Moore Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

Dr. Don B. Farrell of Arlington, TX, passed away at home on October 12, 2022, at the age of 95.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3pm on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church, 1200 South Collins, in Arlington.

Memorials in his honor may be made to The Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets Association, Senior Boot Program, “CCA”, 1145 Finfeather Rd., Bryan, Texas, 77803; The First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, or the charity of your choice.

Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, adored, admired and respected by all.

Born in Wichita Falls, Texas, the family moved to Fort Worth in his elementary school years. Don graduated from Carter Riverside High School where he played varsity basketball.

Influenced by his father’s profession as a veterinarian, Don chose to follow those footsteps, as did his older brother.

Enrolling in Texas A&M on D-Day during World War II, when it was an all male military establishment, he graduated in 1948 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with a commission in the military, which he was soon called upon to fulfill.

While waiting for his orders to active duty, he and his brother built Farrell Animal Hospital on the western edge of tiny Arlington, Texas, which had a population of 7,000. Don married Elizabeth (Betty) Seaton before orders came in and together they began military life at Fort Riley, Kansas, with moves to Chicago, Illinois, Spokane, Washington, Mountain Home, Idaho and ending in Fort Bliss, Texas.

Returning to Arlington, treating both large and small animals was his every day world. Two sons, Mark and Ed, completed their family. Theirs was an idyllic life, getting to see dad at work delivering calves, treating horses and a wide array of small animals.

Don found time to give back in many ways. As an elder in First Presbyterian Church, he served 5 active terms on the session, 3 pulpit search committees, youth sponsor and Sunday school teacher and finance chairman. He and Betty were active in the formation of a couples group in the church that became family for the many displaced newcomers as Arlington began its wild explosion of growth in the 1950s.

Along the way, Don served as President of the Tarrant County Veterinary Association and on the Board of Directors for the Texas Veterinary Association.

As the first President of the Arlington Little League, and member of the Optimist Club, he was chairman of the Boys Work Committee. In this capacity, Don was in charge of the building of Senter Park, the two Little League Baseball fields on Mary Street.

In 1968 Don opened 303 Animal Clinic, which he owned and operated until his retirement.

An Eagle Scout, Veterinarian, Rotarian, golfer, hunter, bridge player and proud Texas Aggie, Don was a devoted family man.

For over 30 years he enjoyed Fox Canyon Ranch in the Davis Mountains/Big Bend area, where exceptional times were spent with his sons and friends. Don looked forward to the many weeklong adventures in the wide open spaces observing nature and marveling at God’s creation.

Throughout his life, Don’s deep, kind spirit reflected his faith and dedication to his Lord.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. J.M. Farrell, Sr. and Gertrude Aye Millar Farrell, and brother Dr. J.M. Farrell, Jr.

He is survived by his wife Betty, son Mark and wife Elaine, son Ed and wife Barbara and their children, Clay and wife Hagan, Darcy and husband Nate, and five great grandchildren, Connor, Harper, Luke, Nolan and Jackson.