Michael Barney Farnham

Michael Barney Farnham, resident of Loranger, Louisiana and native of McComb, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home on Friday, October 17, 2025, at the age of 72. Michael spent his earliest years living in Gulfport, Mississippi with his beloved grandparents, M.T. Rhodes and Vera Rhodes, before moving to McComb, Mississippi, while still in elementary school. He spoke very fondly of his grandfather M.T. and the number of things that he learned from him during these years of his life.

After graduating from McComb High School in 1971, Michael felt a call to serve in the United States Army, where he enlisted alongside his lifelong friend Bill Fitzgerald. During this time, Michael served as a combat medic and was responsible for the transport of numerous refugees near the end of the Vietnam War, in which he took great pride. Michael was also awarded multiple medals for his excellence in marksmanship.

After his time in the military, he completed his education as a registered nurse at Southwest Mississippi Community College. He demonstrated remarkable versatility, excelling in various nursing roles while touching countless lives, and eventually retiring from Lallie Kemp Medical Center

Michael’s passion for being a father was unsurpassed. His daughter, Michaelanne was his “best buddy," and his son, John Rhodes was his “adventure companion.” He was a firm believer that parents could raise their kids appropriately while still being their best friend. He was extremely involved in their activities and vowed to never miss any events in which they were involved. He was an incredible husband to Diane, often referring to her as “my angel,” and he was a loving and supportive step dad to Diane’s daughter, Amanda. Michael and Diane’s devotion to each other was immeasurable and unbreakable.

Michael was always fascinated with the outdoors and adventure. He read hundreds of books on that very topic and as he became of age, he pursued some of those very adventures. For example, Michael became a licensed airplane pilot at the age of 16. He was also part of a group that completed the rare task of kayaking across the English Channel from France to England.

With a spirit that sought adventure and the heart of a servant, Michael's memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of his family and friends. For those that didn’t know him, he was a man among men.

Mike is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Diane Farnham; stepdaughter, Amanda Pravata (Johnny); daughter, Michaelanne Barton (Brett); son, John Rhodes Farnham (Jenny); and grandchildren, Annabrett, Bella, John Michael, Blythe, Julianne, Brooks, Jameson, and Jeno Sam.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Rhodes Farnham; and sister, Alicia Farnham.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Home for their compassionate care.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home, 2000 N. Morrison Blvd, Hammond, Louisiana 70401 on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 from 10:00 am until the Memorial Service begins at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike's memory to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund at www.vvmf.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.