Thomas Lamar “TL” Farris, 92, of Hamilton, Illinois, passed away at 5:15 AM on Tuesday, March 15,
2022, at Hancock Village in Carthage, Illinois.
TL was born on February 3, 1930, in Lydalisk, Arkansas, the son of June and Vesta (Martin) Farris. On
December 28, 1983, he was united in marriage to Kathryn Treadwell Sawyer in Searcy County, Arkansas.
She survives.
TL worked in forestry for fifty years as a white oak and walnut veneer buyer, and worked a side job as a
tree-trimmer well into his 80’s. He was a member of the South Side Boat Club and enjoyed boating on
the Mississippi River. TL also owned a sawmill as a hobby. TL was known as a master tinkerer and was
always fixing something, even if it wasn’t broken. He was best known for his incredible pool skills,
playing in tournaments throughout the Midwest and even playing Minnesota Fats. It was a sought-after
privilege to play pool with him, and for the past 23 years, the “TL Farris Invitational Pool Tournament,”
has been held in his honor.
TL is survived by his wife Kathryn Farris of Hamilton; two sons: Thomas (Heather) Farris, Jr. of Rushville,
Illinois, and Timothy (Dawn) Farris of Hamilton; daughter-in-law Shelli Sawyer of Hamilton; two brothers:
Doug Farris of Adair, Illinois, and Dwain Farris of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas; his sister Sherry Alman of
Norfork, Arkansas; five granddaughters: Ashley, Emily, Abigail and Autumn, all of Rushville, and Sidnee
Sawyer of Edwardsville; two grandsons: Connor Farris of Russia and Trevor Farris of Spokane Valley,
Washington; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
TL is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife Bernice (Perry) Farris; three brothers: Austin, Raz
and Gary Farris; and three sisters: Royce Holt, Lou Tester and Bobbie Cocker; and his step-son Kent
Sawyer.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 27, 2022, from 2 to 4 pm at the Southside Boat Club
in Keokuk, Iowa.
Memorials may be directed to South Side Boat Club for a memorial project to be determined.
Printy Funeral Home of Hamilton is in charge of arrangements.
Tributes and condolences may be left at www.printyfuneralhome.com.