Noem orders flags at half-staff in memory of former Gov. Farrar

Oct. 31—PIERRE — Gov. Kristi Noem ordered flags to be flown at half-staff Sunday in memory of former South Dakota Gov. Frank Farrar.

Farrar, who served as South Dakota's 24th governor from 1969 to 1971, died peacefully at the age of 92 on Sunday in Rochester, Minnesota.

Farrar was elected governor in 1968 at the age of 39. Before his governorship, he served as the state's 22nd attorney general from 1963 to 1969, as a Marshall County judge and as the Marshall County state's attorney. He was the only governor of South Dakota Boys State to later be elected governor.

"Frank was an incredible leader for our state and a mentor to me over these past years," Noem said in a Sunday press release. "His heart for people and his enthusiasm for public service have been an inspiration."

Farrar joined the South Dakota ROTC while attending college at the University of South Dakota before commissioning as a lieutenant and serving in the Korean War. He continued serving as a captain in the Army Reserves for 15 years. A detailed biography of Gov. Farrar can be found on the state's Trail of Governors website.

"Frank stayed active up until the day he died, as evidenced by the statue of him running on the Trail of Governors," Noem continued. "He even competed in triathlons and Ironman competitions into his 8-s. We should all hope to be able to live as active, caring and full a life as Frank."

Exactly six years ago, on Oct. 31, 2015, Farrar's wife of 62 years, Patricia Farrar, passed away. He is survived by five children, as well as eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Noem ordered that flags be flown at half-staff statewide effective immediately in his honor, and that flags remain at half-staff until the day of Farrar's interment, which has yet to be set.