Edward M. Farrell

Edward M. Farrell

89, of Indianapolis, IN, passed away June 13, 2017. He was born in Spiceland, IN to the late Edward and Ruth (Ratliff) Farrell.

Ed met his wife of nearly 67 years, Nova Leanna Owens, while both attended Arsenal Technical High School. Their journey together included raising three children and nourishing their spiritual faith. They attended Irvington United Methodist Church for 30 years, where he served as a lay leader, and most recently, East 91st Street Christian Church. They lived in Brendonwood for many years, where Ed served on their POA board, before moving to Moorings 22 years ago.

He enlisted in the Army after graduation from Tech HS in 1946. He returned to study engineering at Purdue. The Army called on him a second time during the Korean War as a draftsman/engineer. His 38-year career at Eli Lilly began as an Industrial Engineer. Excellent people and organizational skills soon led him to his true calling in Community Relations and Guest Relations, where he retired as manager of The Lilly Center. He served as an executive for the NBA All-Star and Pan Am Games in Indianapolis.

Ed had an insatiable curiosity of the inner workings of nearly everything he encountered, especially his first car, a ’31 Model A Ford Sport Coupe. An avid craftsman, he took great pride in designing and building items for his home and for others.

He is survived by his loving wife, Leanna; two sons, Brett (Maria) and Gregory (Sandra); four grandchildren: Megan Kelchner (John), Joe Farrell (Diane Kuhn), Chris Farrell (Emily) and Pam Thompson (Dennis); and four great grandchildren. His daughter, Laura, and sister, Mary (Farrell) Harman, preceded him in death.

Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21, 2016 at East 91st Street Christian Church, 6049 E. 91st St, Indianapolis, followed by funeral services at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ed’s memory to the Indiana Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org/indiana.

Arrangements have been entrusted to: Flanner and Buchanan- Memorial Park. Please visit Ed’s online tribute and guest book at www.flannerbuchanan.com.