MSGT Luther J. Farris III, United States Army, Retired

MSGT Luther J. Farris III, United States Army, Retired


Luther J. Farris III was born May 11, 1942 at Quantico, Virginia and passed away September 18, 2010, at Harker Heights, Texas, at the age of 68.

Luther proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in 1959, and retired 22 years later with the rank of Master Sergeant.  His duty assignments included service in Vietnam.  His many military awards include the Bronze Star for Valor, five awards of the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Ranger Tab.

Luther pursued  higher education, earning a PhD in Psychology from Rochville University. 

Luther married the love of his life, Karin Ria Geret,  in Herrieden, Germany.  After retiring from the Army, Luther and his family lived in the Harker Heights area where he was an active member of American Legion Post 573, VFW Post 3892 and DAV Chapter 22 of Nolanville, Texas.

Luther was an avid Redskins fan, and enjoyed taking his children fishing in their younger years.

Interment services with full military honors were held on September 10 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American Flags around the committal shelter during the services.

A United States Army Chaplain led the gathered family and friends in final prayers.  The Army Honor Guard rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country.  The Army bugler played taps, and an American flag was folded into the traditional triangle and presented to Luther’s dear wife, on behalf of the President of the United States, a grateful nation and the United States Army.

Luther’s cremains were then sealed into a niche of the columbarium wall, as his family gathered ‘round and the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, four sons, four grandchildren and many other dear family and friends.

The family suggests memorial donations to the American Cancer Society.

With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.