Velma “Collene” (Farr) Paris

June 13, 1934-September 17, 2026

Velma “Collene” (Farr) Paris, 92 of Lancaster, Missouri passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at Schuyler County Nursing Home in Queen City, Missouri where she had been a resident for two months.

The daughter of Ray J. and Buella (Phillips) Farr, she was born on June 13, 1934 in Yarrow, Missouri. Collene attended elementary school in Yarrow and was a graduate of Kirksville High School in Kirksville, Missouri. Collene married the love of her life, Gerald Paris on October 18, 1953 in Kirksville, Missouri and to this union one daughter was born, Cathie.

Collene was employed at Southside Drug, then worked at Mc Clellan’s Dime Store and then McGraw’s in Kirksville. In 1967, Collene started working for Hollister where she worked her way up to a lead position over Identa-bands. Collene retired from Hollister after 33 years of employment in 2006.

Collene is survived by her husband Gerald Paris of Lancaster, Missouri; three grandchildren, Cab Weaver of Lancaster, Missouri, Justice Kramer of Earlham, Iowa and Drennen Eddy of Exline, Iowa; one great grandson, Lincoln Kramer of Earlham, Iowa; one sister, Darlene Tuttle Smith and husband, Larry of West Palm Beach, Florida; many other cousins and close friends.

Collene is preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Cathie Eddy; one sister, Irene Jones and husband, Donald; brother-in-law, Garnet Paris and wife, Walda Anne and family friend, Berta Lee Eddy.

Collene had a strong work ethic and also had many hobbies and talents. She enjoyed sewing, making clothes for her daughter, Cathie as well as quilting. She enjoyed making flower arrangements, gardening and the never-ending yard work. Collene’s house was always immaculate and everything was in its spot.

Collene also enjoyed her grandchildren, watching them play ball, show their animals at the fair and seeing them graduate and begin their lives always offering to iron clothes, make something to eat or to have a Pepsi!

__

Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Missouri with Beverly Smyser of Lancaster, Missouri officiating. Special selections of “When I Get Where I’m Going” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain” will be performed. Pallbearers will be Greg Klokkenga, Brad Gillum, Bob Summers, Joe Summers, Cab Weaver and Drennen Eddy. Visitation will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. at Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Missouri. Memorials have been established for the Zoar Cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by logging on to normanfh.com. Burial will be in the Zoar Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Norman Funeral Home in Lancaster, Missouri.