Daniel Hamilton Farren

Daniel Hamilton Farren also known as “Trapper”, “Grackle”, “Handsome Dan”, or “Spaniel”, age 74, of West Sunbury passed away Wednesday July 26, 2023 at his home.

Born on September 8, 1948, he was the son of the late James Herman Farren and late Mary Lillian Hamilton Farren.  When Dan was 13, he attended the East Butler Conservation school for one year and returned for their 10th anniversary where as a participant new to spectators, he took 3rd place in trap shooting.  While in high school, Dan worked with a family friend Lewis “Ez” McGinnis in the plastering business and continued to work there after graduation.  He then started working in Bessemer at the limestone quarry as a car dropper while attending welding school in Pulaski, Ohio. After working two years at the Bessemer quarry, he went to work at Armco Steel Mill in Butler.  He began working as a laborer in the wheel works on the track gang and finally transportation department where he retired after 43 years of service.  One year after his graduation from high school, Dan joined the National Guard where he participated in protection during the Pittsburgh riots, the trucker’s strike on interstate 80, and against looters at Wilkes-Barre during the flooding.  He attended advanced summer camps for several years to prepare the rest of the troops.  He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class as a Gunnery Sergeant in charge of a 6 gun 105 Howitzer firing battery and retired after twenty and a half years.

Dan married his wife, Doris, on August 10, 1979 and they shared 43 years. Together, they shared the ups and downs that life gave them by being a loving support for each other. They shared the pride of their two sons: Daniel David Farren, who preceded him in death, and Vance James Farren; and adopted daughter: Janice Kay Klaric Farren Craig.  His family gave him many opportunities for boasting.

Dan was a very active hunter, trapper, and fisherman.  For several years, he took month long trapping trips when the work was slow at Armco which earned him the name “Trapper”. His trips included Alabama, Arizona, and Louisiana and he also snared in Florida.  He achieved the triple trophy one year by shooting a buck, turkey, and bear in the same year.  Out of three Colorado trips, he shot a bull elk on one and a cow elk on another.  Dan also spent time as a fishing guide and guide for bear hunters in Canada.  The first day of buck season was spent on the family property in the treestand where both sons shot their first bucks. Cooking over the camp stove was also enjoyed. 

Dan and Vance took up the hobby of power paragliding in 2009.  Dan always wanted to fly, trying many homemade devices as a kid.  He and Vance also enjoyed floating, camping, and snorkeling trips.  Many hours were spent on the Clarion River enjoying many water activities with his family.  The whole family was certified in scuba diving, enjoyed water skiing, and boating.  The boys and Dan were strong swimmers and liked to snorkel. He always spent the first day of trout with family in a boat on Harbor Acres.  He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle and driving his truck.  Family vacations included many trips to Myrtle Beach as well as cross country to Colorado where they stayed at a dude ranch, a week to Lake Powell in Arizona, Disneyland in Florida, Sea World in San Antonio, Texas, Jazzland in Florida and across the upper and lower United States.  In 2006, the family took their first cruise.  It was a great time and Danny said it was the best family vacation ever.

More recently in 2020, Dan alongside his golden retriever, Watson, and two hunting friends, Dan was able to bag 74 ring neck pheasants which was greatly enjoyed by all concerned.  Watson has been a real hunting companion. 

Dan is survived by his wife, Doris Farren and son, Vance James Farren of Baltimore.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother: Mark James Farren; and son: Daniel David Farren. 

Family and Friends will be received for Visitation from 2-4 and 6-8 pm Sunday July 30, 2023 at the William F Young Funeral Home 132 Main Street West Sunbury. Additional visitation will be from 10- 11 Monday.    Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Monday July 31, 2023 at the funeral home with Pastor Boyd Smith of West Unity Community Church officiating.  Burial will be in Pleasant Valley Cemetery with Military Honors. 

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