Col. Thomas Farrell

Col. Thomas S. Farrell. USA (Ret) age 93 of Columbus, Ohio passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2022.  He was born April 6, 1929, in Cleveland, Ohio.  Tom is preceded in death by Shirley (Gierhart), his beloved wife of 58 years.  He is survived by his sons, Michael, Matt (Sunny), Kevin (Geoff) and grandson Jordan.  Tom graduated from North High School in Columbus, Ohio and earned a BSc in Business from Ohio State University in 1951.  While a student he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, a freshman secretary to the Student Senate, and elected to ROMOPHOS, the sophomore men’s honorary.

He began his military career when he enlisted in 37th of the Ohio National Guard in 1948 while a student at Ohio State.  Upon completion of the National Guard Bureau’s prerequisites in September of 1951 he was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and immediately ordered to basic officer’s training at Fort Lee, Virginia.  Upon completion of the course, he rejoined the 37th at Camp Polk, Louisiana which had been activated for Korean conflict.  When the 37th completed its training phase, Tom volunteered for immediate transfer to the Far East Command; his request was approved.  Upon arrival in Korea, he was assigned to the 201st Quartermaster Battalion in direct support of the 45th Infantry Division in X Corps.  When the 37th was separated from federal service, Tom was released from active duty and returned to Columbus to rejoin the 37th.  Upon deactivation of the 37th he was serving of Assistant Chief of Staff G4.

Tom was appointed Ohio Director of Selective Service is January 1970. His responsibilities include final military inductions under the Selective Service System, and implementation of the lottery system.

Tom’s next military position was appointment as the United States Property and Fiscal Officer for the State of Ohio (1975-1985). He remained in that position until appointed as the USPFO for the United States Virgin Islands (1985-1988).  He retired Feb. 1, 1988, returning to Columbus, Ohio. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association or your local VA.