Dan Farley

Dan Farley

Jul 4, 1949 - Mar 8th, 2023
  • Birth Date: Jul 4, 1949
  • Death Date: Mar 8, 2023
  • Funeral Date: Mar 11, 2023, 11:00 am
  • Location: Ruebel Funeral Home (6313 W. Markham St. Little Rock, AR 72205)
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Biography: Dan Farley, 73 of Little Rock died March 8, 2023, after a recent diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his sister, Carol Farley Helms of Morristown, TN and a nephew, Jason Cutler of Coimbatore, India. He is preceded in death by his parents, W.A. “Sonny” and Modene Farley.

Dan was born in Bentonville, AR, but spent his childhood in Heber Springs where he made lifelong friends and excelled in the local public school system. His family moved for several of his pre-teen years to Arizona. This was the genesis of his life-long love of the art, people, food and views of the American Southwest. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than sharing this love – including the market in Santa Fe and breakfast at Tia Sophia’s--with this favorite people. A piece of him will always be in Santa Fe and Taos.
A proud Hendrix College graduate, Dan formed a tight-knit core group of friends who remained close to him and part of his “chosen family” to the end of his life. He also refined his love of theater arts, expressive writing, and his exceptional intellectual curiosity. As a leader in his later pursuits, Dan was deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, long before it was a topic of debate. One of his favorite sayings  was – people support what they build. He was a strong supporter of democratic ideals, equality of people from all backgrounds, and a liberal social agenda.

After graduating from college, Dan taught for a year before beginning work as a reporter for the Arkansas Democrat newspaper. During his time there, he was a co-leader in efforts to organize a union at the paper. Though these efforts were unsuccessful, it led to a treasured friendship with H.L. Mitchell, a co-founder of the Southern Tenant Farmer’s Union. Later he worked as communications director for the Pulaski County Special School District. This experience in the school system led to a job with the Arkansas School Boards Association (ASBA) in 1979. Initially he was publications director, which united his passion for education with his excellent writing and proofreading skills. Dan quickly assumed the additional responsibility for putting on conferences for the ASBA, and eventually rose to be the Executive Director in 1999. He continued in this role until his retirement in 2013. In the midst of these years of professional growth, he continued to be involved in theater as a board member of the Community Theater group. He also was proud to serve on the board of the AETN Foundation. Dan was a true advocate for public education. He will be deeply missed by many current and former employees of ASBA, most of whom he hired.

Dan’s friends and family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice, and in particular, nurses Michelle and Cheryl, as well as his devoted and beloved caregivers who gave him comfort and joy during the last year of his life. Mary Iva Barrett, Teresa Benton, Teresa Jones, Bobby Younger, and Mimi Berry as well as new caregivers Connie, Crystal and Casey, supported him and worked tirelessly to allow him to remain where he wanted to be – in his home with his familiar comforts at his side. In addition, Kristen Garner served as his trusted advocate, supervisor of care and home, and overall helpmate. Their relationship spanned many years at ASBA but her friendship and care were literally unparalleled during his final months. Friends and family are beyond grateful.

A memorial service will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 West Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205 at 11 a.m. Saturday March 11, 2023.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Arkansas Foodbank at 4301 W. 65th St. Little Rock, AR 72209 or Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families at 1400 West Markham St. Ste 306, Little Rock, AR  72201.  Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com

Condolences(09)
Mary Iva & Greg Barrett
#9
Mar 21st, 2023 10:08 pm
No words will ever express what Dan meant to me. He got to know Greg as well. Dan is one of a kind . He was a blessing to us all. He will be missed.
Angela Sewall
#8
Mar 10th, 2023 9:01 am
What a tragic loss. Dan was an anazing educator and colleague. He will be missed.
Connie Taylor
#7
Mar 9th, 2023 10:40 pm
Thank you to all of Dan’s family and friends who choose me to be part of a loving team (Dan’s Dream Team) to care for this special man. My life is ever so changed by his grace and wisdom and I am very blessed to have been part of taking care of him and holding his hand as he took his last breath. Fly high Mr Dan You may be gone from this life but I will never forget you ❤️
Crystal Rice
#6
Mar 9th, 2023 7:05 pm
Mr. Dan or what I called you is my granddad. I only knew you a short while but what an impact you left on me!! I helped take care of you and I enjoyed every second of it!! You taught me to be appreciative and you humbled me really fast! But I wouldn’t trade it for the world!! I’m so glad you are no longer in pain and are a free man now! Watch over us and I’ll see you again!! Love you, Crystal
Betsy Shaver
#5
Mar 9th, 2023 7:04 pm
My sincerest sympathies for Dan’s family and friends. Dan has always been one of the bright lights in the world. He will be so missed.

Betsy Shaver
Gary Ricker
#4
Mar 9th, 2023 6:57 pm
Carol,sending prayers and love ❤️. After reading his biography he must have been an amazing man. So sorry my friend.
Bobby G. Lester
#3
Mar 9th, 2023 2:37 pm
I was fortunate to have worked with Dan in his position in PCSSD. After becoming Superintendent of PCSSD I was pleased to experience his leadership at the ASBA. His obituary describes him exactly. He was a great person who had a passion for doing the right thing in all his endeavors.
Scott Melhotn
#2
Mar 9th, 2023 1:38 pm
Dan was my brother Johnson’s best friend and I was privileged to get to know him well enough to call him my friend. He was always very kind to me and could tell a great story. I hope he and Johnson are catching on life wherever they may be. Many folks will miss Dan. I loved his sense of humor and his belief in social justice. Take care and who knows maybe someday our paths will cross again❤️
MICHAEL KNABE
#1
Mar 9th, 2023 12:19 pm
I remember Dan as a HSHS leader when I was in the 7th grade, we talked alot on social media regarding politics, religion, and the beauty of our beloved state. Bless you Dan, Carol, and the family, you will always be sorely missed!...MICHAEL KNABE...CLASS OF 1972

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