DAN FARLEY, 73,

of Little Rock died March 8, 2023, after a recent diagnosis of advanced pancreatic cancer.

He is survived by his sister, Carol Farley Helms of Morristown, Tenn.; and a nephew, Jason Cutler of Coimbatore, India.

He is preceded in death by his parents, W.A. “Sonny” and Modene Farley.

Dan was born in Bentonville, Ark., but spent his childhood in Heber Springs, where he made life-long friends and excelled in the local public school system. His family moved for several of his pre-teen years to Arizona. This was the genesis of his life-long love of the art, people, food, and views of the American Southwest. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than sharing this love, including the market in Santa Fe and breakfast at Tia Sophia’s, with his favorite people. A piece of him will always be in Santa Fe and Taos.

A proud Hendrix College graduate, Dan formed a tight-knit core group of friends who remained close to him and part of his “chosen family” to the end of his life. He also refined his love of theater arts, expressive writing, and his exceptional intellectual curiosity. As a leader in his later pursuits, Dan was deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, long before it was a topic of debate. One of his favorite sayings was – people support what they build. He was a strong supporter of democratic ideals, equality of people from all backgrounds, and a liberal social agenda.

After graduating from college, Dan taught for a year before beginning work as a reporter for the Arkansas Democrat newspaper. During his time there, he was a co-leader in efforts to organize a union at the paper. Though these efforts were unsuccessful, it led to a treasured friendship with H.L. Mitchell, a co-founder of the Southern Tenant Farmer’s Union.

Later he worked as communications director for the Pulaski County Special School District. This experience in the school system led to a job with the Arkansas School Boards Association (ASBA) in 1979. Initially he was publications director, which united his passion for education with his excellent writing and proofreading skills. Dan quickly assumed the additional responsibility for putting on conferences for the ASBA, and eventually rose to be the Executive Director in 1999. He continued in this role until his retirement in 2013. In the midst of these years of professional growth, he continued to be involved in theater as a board member of the Community Theater group. He also was proud to serve on the board of the AETN Foundation. Dan was a true advocate for public education. He will be deeply missed by many current and former employees of ASBA, most of whom he hired.

Dan’s friends and family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice, and in particular, nurses Michelle and Cheryl, as well as his devoted and beloved caregivers who gave him comfort and joy during the last year of his life. Mary Iva Barrett, Teresa Benton, Teresa Jones, Bobby Younger, and Mimi Berry as well as new caregivers Connie, Crystal, and Casey, supported him and worked tirelessly to allow him to remain where he wanted to be – in his home with his familiar comforts at his side.

In addition, Kristen Garner served as his trusted advocate, supervisor of care and home, and overall helpmate. Their relationship spanned many years at ASBA but her friendship and care were literally unparalleled during his final months. Friends and family are beyond grateful.

A memorial service will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 West Markham St., Little Rock, Ark. 72205 at 11 a.m. Saturday March 11, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Arkansas Foodbank at 4301 W. 65th St. Little Rock, Ark. 72209 or Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families at 1400 West Markham St. Ste 306, Little Rock, Ark. 72201. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com