John Joseph Farrell

John Joseph Farrell, 77 died November 8, 2025 at his home in Lenexa, Ks. He was born on August 25, 1948 in Pittsburg, Ks. to Bernard L. Farrell and Melba M. Farrell, nee Payne.

He spent his early years in Weir, Ks, but the family moved to Liberal, Mo. around 1956, where his father owned The Liberal Telephone Company. He attended Liberal elementary school and graduated from Liberal High School in 1967. He then attended St. Mary’s of the Plains College and graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor degree in History. He also received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education in 1973 from St. Mary’s. In 1974 he earned his Masters in Education degree from Wichita State University, majoring in Educational Administration.

John began his teaching career in New South Wales, Australia, in 1971. In 1972, he returned to Kansas to continue his studies. He became principal of Holcomb Elementary School in Holcomb, Ks in 1974. In 1979 he began working in educational administration with the Kansas Migrant Education Program in Piper, Ks.

He then served as a senior administrator in Haysville USD 261, outside of Wichita, Ks. He continued to work in the Kansas Migrant Education Program, with special emphasis on his work with the Consortium Arrangement for Identification and Recruitment (CAIR), which included the participation of 16 State Migrant Education Programs and five national agribusiness corporations.

In 1998 he earned his Doctorate in Educational Administration and Higher Education from the University of Mississippi. He continued with Post Graduate work since then. At the end of this obituary you will find a list of all that John was involved with and had accomplished throughout his career. Never one to boast, the family feels it important to honor him and his life’s work for the benefit of others, in this way.

John was of the Catholic faith, having been baptized as an infant, thus following many generations before him on both parent’s sides. Having been heavily influenced by this background, he developed a deep desire to help others and promoted education during his entire career. He was a humble man of endless energy. His infectious laugh made him fun to be around for all.

So many of his cherished colleagues from all around the country shared the following comments about John. “John was kind and generous to all. In his professional life, he remained the stalwart supporter behind the scenes making connections, developing strategies, finding resources, and taking action to make the impossible possible for the Title 1, Part C program nationwide. His ability to speak the language of farmers, agricultural leadership, and legislators helped countless people on every level. On the national and state level, John’s conversations with decision makers on Capitol Hill including the Secretary of Education, the White House, Department of Education, and members of Congress, had much to do with the success of the program over the years. On the local and individual level, his efforts led to contributions by agri-businesses including on-site after school programs for migratory students while their parents completed their workday. John’s unwavering commitment and willingness to go beyond, think big, and not take “no” for an answer made a difference in thousands of lives. Beyond what he did for the program, he did that much more for those who had the privilege and honor of knowing him and working with him. He was the one you could always count on! He was a precious gem who was loved, admired and appreciated.”

John found companionship in recent years with John Fink of Atlanta, Georgia. They spent time working and traveling together and in January of 2024, they were married.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his youngest brother Timothy Farrell, his oldest brother Thomas Farrell, and his sister-in-law Linda Farrell, nee Brooks, Cousin Richard Enzwiler, Uncles Frank Enzwiler and Howard Snyder, Aunts Helen (Farrell) Enzwiler and Bernice (Farrell) Snyder.

He is survived by his spouse, John Fink, his brother Jim Farrell (Carol Anne) of Overland Park, Cousin Judi Davis (Chuck)of Tuscon, Az., sister-in-law Drenda Farrell, nee West of Paola, Ks.; eight nieces; Michelle (Scott) Emerson, Theresa (Tim) Shmidl, Gina (Mark ) Gilroy, Stephanie (Andy ) Strick, Jenny (Bill) Kleinmann, Elizabeth ( Coby) Feris, Sarah (Travis) Kramer and Diane Farrell (Josh ) and two nephews: Jason (Courtney) Farrell, T. J. (Genice) Farrell and 20 great nieces and nephews. He also leaves many friends and cherished colleagues.

Services: Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to attend a “Gathering” in John’s memory on Saturday November 22nd at 1:30 pm at Eagles Landing At Lake Olathe, 475 S.Wardcliff Dr. Olathe, Ks 66061.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of John to: Eudora Schools Foundation P.O. Box 500 Eudora, Kansas 66025

Venmo donations may be sent to @EudoraSchoolsFoundation Online: bit.ly/DonateESF

JOHN J. FARRELL, PH.D. Education Post-Doc Studies. University of Mississippi, Kansas State University, Kansas University, Fort Hays State University PH.D. University of Mississippi, Educational Administration and Higher Education, 1998 M. Ed. Wichita State University, Educational Administration 1975 B.S. Saint Mary of the Plains College, Elementary Education 1973 B.A. Saint Mary of the Plains College, History, Political Science, English, Psychology, 1971 Teaching/Administrative Experiences . Director of Special Projects, Eudora USD 491, Eudora, Kansas 2001-Present . Assistant Superintendent, USD 261, Haysville, Kansas 1988-2001 . Director of Kansas Migrant Education Resource Center, Piper, Kansas 1981-1988 . Elementary/Junior High Principal, Holcomb Consolidated School District 1974-1981 Holcomb, Kansas . Teacher, English/History, Orange High School, Orange, Australia 1971-1974 Adjunct Professor . Newman University, Wichita, Kansas 1999-2010 . Saint Mary of the Plains College, Dodge City, Kansas 1987-1993 . Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kansas 1987-2014 . Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott, Kansas 2010-2016 Research/Publications Experience . Federal Grants Program Evaluator, Fort Scott Community College, HEP CAMP 2004-2020 . Tri-State CAMP Program Coordination 2009-2018 . CNA/SDP State Planning Committee 2000-2017 . “State Migrant Education Plan” 2008-2017 . “Pre-Identification and Recruitment Study for Puerto Rico” 2012 . “Needs Assessment: Migrant Education” 2010,2013,2016 . “Needs Assessment: Bilingual Education” 2000,2010 . Project CAMP at KU, Kansas University Consultant 2001-2005 . “The Effects of Preschool Intervention on Academic Success for Migrant Students” 2005 . “Systematic Methodology of Accountability in Recruiter Training” 2015 . “Administrative Guide for Migrant Education” 1987,2014 . “Performance Base Teacher Evaluation” 2012 Special Appointments/ Acknowledgements Project Prevent Leadership Team 2020-Present Common Data Elements Committee, U.S. Department of Education 2009-2012 Office of Migrant Education, Washington, D.C. National P.A.S.S. Coordination Committee, U.S. Department of Ed. 2008-Present Washington, D.C. Office of Migrant Education Work Group for Identification and Recruitment 2000-2012 Primary Means of Livelihood IRRC Consortium Chair, Agribusiness/Education Partnership to Provide Service to Migratory Workers 2015-Present Interstate Migrant Education Council Issues Committee, Sub-Committee on Reauthorization 2010-2017 Out of School Youth Consortium Leadership Committee 2008-Present ID&R Rapid Response Consortium, IRRC Leadership Committee 2015-Present