The leader of Craighead County's Republican party is the latest fatality from a disease caused by the coronavirus that has confirmed to have killed over 1,400 Arkansans since March.
On Tuesday, Steven Farmer, who serves as the chairman of the Craighead County Republican Committee, has died of complications from COVID-19.
Audrey Haynie, Farmer's daughter, made the announcement on Facebook, which was first reported by KAIT-TV. Haynie had been chronicling Farmer's battle with the disease since her father was admitted to the ICU and placed on a ventilator as far back as September 18.
In later posts, Haynie said Farmer, who also serves as the superintendent of the Jonesboro Human Development Center, had been showing some signs of recovery. But, on September 25, she reported that a doctor told her that Farmer's condition made a turn for the worst.
On Monday (October 5), Haynie posted "Breathe easy, dad. Just breathe." following news that an EEG showed that Farmer had minimal brain activity.
Haynie's final post about her father's condition was made on Tuesday (October 6) at 7:29 A.M.
"Dad's soul is singing today even though ours aren't," Haynie posted. "But, grief is the price you pay for being blessed enough to experience the kind of love that dad gave and lived through his actions everyday."
She ended her post thanking her father for the legacy he's left behind, saying "we'll be seeing you."
The Craighead County Republican Committee posted their response to Farmer's passing on Facebook at 9:11 A.M. They called Famer a "great caring friend to all and a dedicated leader." They said they will show their support to the Farmer family during their time of need.
The Volunteer Council at the Jonesboro Human Development Center expressed their condolences on Facebook, saying that they "will continue to pray for you all and your strengthen in the Lord!"
Farmer has also held position of acting a first responder in times of crisis for Craighead County. KAIT reports that he's the former board member of the Arkansas Crisis Response Team and has coordinated the Craighead County Crisis Response Team.
He's also served as a volunteer firefighter for Brookland and as a chaplain for Brookland and Jonesboro's fire departments.
