Alan Farner, 74Alan "Big Al" Leroy Farner, 74, of Gamaliel, AR passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at his residence. He was born on September 16, 1942 in Winner, South Dakota to the late Albert Isaac and Thelma Louise (Williams) Farner. Alan was an Air Force veteran, having joined the Air Force in 1963 and retiring in 1984. He was deployed in Vietnam from 1971 - 1972. He was an expert marksman, having won the Military World Championship in 1974 and the Military European Championship in 1976. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he moved to St. Louis, MO and worked in security for Monsanto. In 1999 he and his wife Marilynn retired and moved to Gamaliel, AR.Big Al was a kind and generous gentleman who never met a stranger. He was an enthusiastic fisherman and card player and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Marilynn (Robertson) Farner of the home; three children, Daniel Farner (Lisa) of O'Fallon, MO, Greg Farner (Jessica) of St. Peters, MO and Nanette Deason (Ernie) of St. Charles, MO; nine grandchildren, Nick, Amanda, Jack, Kathryn, Rachel, Leah, Sydney, Tammy and Mallory; one sister, Novaline Bliven of Sioux City, IA; one sister-in-law, Joan Farner of Fairfield, CA and his beloved pets, Murphy, Stanley and Miss Kitty. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Lyle Farner and one infant brother.A memorial service will be Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at 5:45 p.m. at SunRise United Methodist Church, 7116 Twin Chimneys Blvd., O'Fallon, MO 63368. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until service time.Arrangements are by Conner Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Humane Society of North Central Arkansas, 2656 Highway 201 North, Mountain Home, AR 72653. An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.connerfamilyfuneralhome.com.