Donald J. Farlin of Minden, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Minden Evangelical Free Church with Rev. Tom Barnes officiating. The service will be streamed to the church’s YouTube page. A second Celebration of Life will be held at Chapman Funeral Home in Wareham, Massachusetts, followed by burial at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Memorials in Don’s honor are kindly suggested to Operation Heal Our Patriots, a Ministry of Samaritan’s Purse for veterans and spouses with physical and emotional trauma. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Donald was born on March 11, 1933, in Keya Paha County, Nebraska, to Virgil and Augusta (Otto) Farlin. He spent his childhood there, attending rural schools and graduating with the class of 1951 from Keya Paha County High School in Springview.

Don was known as “Red” among his siblings and “Uncle Red” to his many nieces and nephews. His trademark red hair was often seen as a reflection of his vibrant character and steady resolve.

Don served in the United States Air Force for 20 years, retiring as a Master Sergeant. His service took him to various bases across the United States, as well as overseas assignments in Germany and Thailand. Following his military retirement, he settled in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, where he began a second career with the United States Postal Service. In a fitting twist of fate, his final assignment before retiring from the USPS was the post office at Otis Air Force Base—the same base where his Air Force career had concluded years earlier.

He and his wife, Pat, were known for their tireless work ethic. Together, they bought, renovated, and managed rental properties in their spare time. Don remained in the Buzzards Bay area until Pat’s passing in 2021, at which point he returned to his native Nebraska to live with his son, Alan, and daughter-in-law, Delores.

Independence and perseverance defined Don’s life. Growing up in a large family during the hardships of the 1930s and 40s, he learned early on the value of self-reliance. While he possessed a stubborn determination and a tough exterior, he also had a generous spirit. He was always ready to lend a hand to family and friends, whether it was repairing a car, fixing a lawn mower, or assisting with a home project.

Donald is survived by his four sons: Jerry (Vicki Leos) Farlin, Alan (Delores) Farlin, Karl (Judith) Farlin, and Matthew (Juliet) Farlin; his step-children, Patricia Rudy and James (Jackie) Dyke; 17 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren; his brother, Ivan Farlin of Springview; his sisters, Veda (Mike) Chase of Crofton and Annita (Bret) Benedict of Great Falls, Montana; and many nieces and nephews.

Donald was preceded in death by his devoted wife of nearly 50 years, Mary P. "Pat" Farlin; his parents, Virgil and Augusta; his stepmother, Ollie Farlin; his brothers, Byron Mentzer, Bud Mentzer, Darrel Farlin, Neil Forrest Farlin, Leslie Farlin, and Stanley Farlin; his sisters, Ruth Spink, Vivian Wood, and Joanne McLaughlin; the mother of his children, Carol Farlin; and an infant daughter, Peggy Marie Farlin.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com.