William "Bill" George Farha

William “Bill” George Farha, real estate developer and philanthropist, loving son, husband, father, and father and grandparent, fell asleep in the Lord peacefully at home surrounded by his family, on November 16, 2021 in Wichita, KS. Bill was born in Wichita, KS to William F. Farha and Victoria B. Farha on September 19, 1943. He went to high school at Wichita Southeast High School and graduated in 1961. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University in 1966 and a Master of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in 1968, graduating from both universities with honors. Bill co-founded Farha and Son Enterprises, a Real Estate Development and Investment Company in 1963 that owns and operates properties in several states. He always lived by the Golden Rule to treat others as you would want to be treated. He was a prime example of this in business and in his personal life. Bill would tell his family “To whom much is given much will be required (Luke 12:48).” His civic and charitable involvement was a testimony of this scripture. He felt very strongly that life was a matter of priorities and that, while success in business was nice, the real essence of life was faith, family, and giving back to his country, community, and charitable organizations that he loved. Particularly close to his heart were his church, St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He fondly often recalled the times in the late 1950’s when Danny Thomas visited his family’s home to discuss and plan for the development and future of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which opened in 1961. He became an ambassador in his community for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as well as the first Chairman of the Kansas St. Jude Dream Home which began in 2016 and helped raise millions of dollars for St. Jude. He would often say that “St. Jude represented the best that humanity has to offer” as it provided free treatment, travel, lodging, and food for the patients and their families. He served as a Board member of the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Council, was a member of the Wichita Rotary Club since 1973, and also served as a board member of the Rotary Charitable Fund. He was extensively involved in the Annual Wichita Prayer Breakfast for over twenty-five years during which time he and his wife, Shirley, hosted the speaker and host committee in their home. Bill was a lifetime member of the St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral where he served on the board for many years as well as helped oversee the development for the current home of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral. His faith, family, and friends were paramount in his life. He lived for God and his family. Family values were of great importance to him; he loved children, and his grandchildren were the light of his life. Bill enjoyed spending time with his two grandchildren, his loving wife, two children and numerous friends. To know Bill Farha is to love him. One of his favorite quotations from the Bible was “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength,” and that is how he lived his life. Love, faith, patience, kindness, character, and strength are just a few words to describe Bill Farha. Bill was the essence of love and kindness. His smile and personality would light up a room and he could tell a story like no other. He had a unique way of making everyone around him happy. His wittiness and humor will be greatly missed. Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William F. and Victoria B. Farha. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Shirley; daughter, Marisa Farha Palacios (Diego); son, William G. Farha II (Mallory); grandchildren, William G. Farha III and Juliet Farha. Dad, we are blessed more than you could ever know to have such a wonderful, loving father as you. You have had such a positive impact in our lives. Your love, wisdom, and integrity will be in our hearts and minds forever. We find comfort in knowing that you will continue to live on through us and knowing that we will be together again for eternity in Heaven. May your Memory Be Eternal. We love you. Trisagion & Funeral Service will be at 7:00 pm, Sunday, November 21, 2021, at St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral. Graveside Service will be at 11:00 am, Monday, November 22, 2021, at Wichita Park Cemetery. Family asks that masks are worn, and social distance be maintained. Memorials have been established with: St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral, 7515 E. 13th St. N., Wichita, KS 67206; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105, http://giftfunds.stjude.org/billfarha Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.