*James F Landrum of Bloomington ,Indiana was with Cotton Farmer while he was trying to qualify for the Indy 500 during the 1960s but Cotton was having problems with the gas pedal causing problem with speed. Landrum was in the pits and garage area with him. Cotton had provide a pass for Landrum for the pits and ISM.
Member of find a Grave
James Landrum
---
1948, Al "Cotton" Farmer was driving a wrecker on assignment to a jalopy stock car meet in Ft. Wort, Texas and was asked if he ever thought of driving. After watching the likes of Jim McElreath and Shady McWorter, he felt he could do better than any of them, so he returned in two weeks with his own jalopy. He set third quick time, started in the dash and within the hour, was upside down. He also raced at Wichita Falls, Texas in 1949 and 1950. About that time he started stooging part time for Jimmy Reece and the John Zink team of Midgets.
In 1950 , he moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where he raced for five years, doing very well, winning the 1954 stock car title. Cotton then began some Midget driving and went to Indianapolis in 1955 hoping to improve his open wheel cockpit experience. From there he got a ride on the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) sprint car circuit. He also obtained his first ride in an Offy midget about this same time. He led a nomad's life, returning occasionally to his Fort Worth home. He broke his back during an IMCA sprint car race at St. Paul, Minnesota in 1959.
In 1960 , Farmer passed his drivers test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Whiile he had rides for the 500 *the next few years, he never was able to qualify. In 1963, when he felt he had his best shot at making the race, he was badly injured in a Midget crash at Toronto, Canada, just prior to the 500.
Friends urged him to enter the Championship division of the 1967 Pikes Peak Hillclimb and car owner Don McCormick entered a car for Cotton. That resulted in near fatal injuries and the end of Farmer's racing career.
He retired from racing having won the Prestigious USAC Ted Horn-Bill Schindler Memorial sprint car race at Williams Grove, Pennsylvania; won eight IMCA sprint Features; he won several races with Tom Cherry's group; two USAC Midget wins; several IMCA Midget wins; and dozen of jalopy stock car victories.
Cotton Farmer was inducted into the Belleville High Banks Hall of Fame in 2000.
Cotton" was generous with his time and resources, especially through the Southside Lions Club, where he was a longtime member, and his affiliation with the Masonic Order. He was also a supporter of children's programs through his involvement in the Lions Club.
"Cotton"'s family extends its thanks for compassionate and loving care to James Parker, M.D. and Cheri Lientz, RN of Texas Health Care and the staffs of Broadway Plaza Health Care Center, Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest and Innovative Hospice Care, Vitas. They also appreciate all the flowers, cards, calls and visits from his friends, race fans and colleagues these past months. The kindness contributed greatly to his quality of life and touched his heart.
Survivors: Brothers, Edward M. "Babe" and Ronald D. "Ronnie" Farmer and their families. His brothers selflessly and diligently worked to ensure "Cotton's well being and good care in the last 18 months of his life.
He is also survived by his loving children, Vickie, Michelle, Carolle, Timothy, their families; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his adored canine companions, John Boy and Lady.
Member of find a Grave
James Landrum
---
1948, Al "Cotton" Farmer was driving a wrecker on assignment to a jalopy stock car meet in Ft. Wort, Texas and was asked if he ever thought of driving. After watching the likes of Jim McElreath and Shady McWorter, he felt he could do better than any of them, so he returned in two weeks with his own jalopy. He set third quick time, started in the dash and within the hour, was upside down. He also raced at Wichita Falls, Texas in 1949 and 1950. About that time he started stooging part time for Jimmy Reece and the John Zink team of Midgets.
In 1950 , he moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where he raced for five years, doing very well, winning the 1954 stock car title. Cotton then began some Midget driving and went to Indianapolis in 1955 hoping to improve his open wheel cockpit experience. From there he got a ride on the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) sprint car circuit. He also obtained his first ride in an Offy midget about this same time. He led a nomad's life, returning occasionally to his Fort Worth home. He broke his back during an IMCA sprint car race at St. Paul, Minnesota in 1959.
In 1960 , Farmer passed his drivers test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Whiile he had rides for the 500 *the next few years, he never was able to qualify. In 1963, when he felt he had his best shot at making the race, he was badly injured in a Midget crash at Toronto, Canada, just prior to the 500.
Friends urged him to enter the Championship division of the 1967 Pikes Peak Hillclimb and car owner Don McCormick entered a car for Cotton. That resulted in near fatal injuries and the end of Farmer's racing career.
He retired from racing having won the Prestigious USAC Ted Horn-Bill Schindler Memorial sprint car race at Williams Grove, Pennsylvania; won eight IMCA sprint Features; he won several races with Tom Cherry's group; two USAC Midget wins; several IMCA Midget wins; and dozen of jalopy stock car victories.
Cotton Farmer was inducted into the Belleville High Banks Hall of Fame in 2000.
Cotton" was generous with his time and resources, especially through the Southside Lions Club, where he was a longtime member, and his affiliation with the Masonic Order. He was also a supporter of children's programs through his involvement in the Lions Club.
"Cotton"'s family extends its thanks for compassionate and loving care to James Parker, M.D. and Cheri Lientz, RN of Texas Health Care and the staffs of Broadway Plaza Health Care Center, Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest and Innovative Hospice Care, Vitas. They also appreciate all the flowers, cards, calls and visits from his friends, race fans and colleagues these past months. The kindness contributed greatly to his quality of life and touched his heart.
Survivors: Brothers, Edward M. "Babe" and Ronald D. "Ronnie" Farmer and their families. His brothers selflessly and diligently worked to ensure "Cotton's well being and good care in the last 18 months of his life.
He is also survived by his loving children, Vickie, Michelle, Carolle, Timothy, their families; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his adored canine companions, John Boy and Lady.
*James F Landrum of Bloomington ,Indiana was with Cotton Farmer while he was trying to qualify for the Indy 500 during the 1960s but Cotton was having problems with the gas pedal causing problem with speed. Landrum was in the pits and garage area with him. Cotton had provide a pass for Landrum for the pits and ISM.
Member of find a Grave
James Landrum
---
1948, Al "Cotton" Farmer was driving a wrecker on assignment to a jalopy stock car meet in Ft. Wort, Texas and was asked if he ever thought of driving. After watching the likes of Jim McElreath and Shady McWorter, he felt he could do better than any of them, so he returned in two weeks with his own jalopy. He set third quick time, started in the dash and within the hour, was upside down. He also raced at Wichita Falls, Texas in 1949 and 1950. About that time he started stooging part time for Jimmy Reece and the John Zink team of Midgets.
In 1950 , he moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where he raced for five years, doing very well, winning the 1954 stock car title. Cotton then began some Midget driving and went to Indianapolis in 1955 hoping to improve his open wheel cockpit experience. From there he got a ride on the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) sprint car circuit. He also obtained his first ride in an Offy midget about this same time. He led a nomad's life, returning occasionally to his Fort Worth home. He broke his back during an IMCA sprint car race at St. Paul, Minnesota in 1959.
In 1960 , Farmer passed his drivers test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Whiile he had rides for the 500 *the next few years, he never was able to qualify. In 1963, when he felt he had his best shot at making the race, he was badly injured in a Midget crash at Toronto, Canada, just prior to the 500.
Friends urged him to enter the Championship division of the 1967 Pikes Peak Hillclimb and car owner Don McCormick entered a car for Cotton. That resulted in near fatal injuries and the end of Farmer's racing career.
He retired from racing having won the Prestigious USAC Ted Horn-Bill Schindler Memorial sprint car race at Williams Grove, Pennsylvania; won eight IMCA sprint Features; he won several races with Tom Cherry's group; two USAC Midget wins; several IMCA Midget wins; and dozen of jalopy stock car victories.
Cotton Farmer was inducted into the Belleville High Banks Hall of Fame in 2000.
Cotton" was generous with his time and resources, especially through the Southside Lions Club, where he was a longtime member, and his affiliation with the Masonic Order. He was also a supporter of children's programs through his involvement in the Lions Club.
"Cotton"'s family extends its thanks for compassionate and loving care to James Parker, M.D. and Cheri Lientz, RN of Texas Health Care and the staffs of Broadway Plaza Health Care Center, Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest and Innovative Hospice Care, Vitas. They also appreciate all the flowers, cards, calls and visits from his friends, race fans and colleagues these past months. The kindness contributed greatly to his quality of life and touched his heart.
Survivors: Brothers, Edward M. "Babe" and Ronald D. "Ronnie" Farmer and their families. His brothers selflessly and diligently worked to ensure "Cotton's well being and good care in the last 18 months of his life.
He is also survived by his loving children, Vickie, Michelle, Carolle, Timothy, their families; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his adored canine companions, John Boy and Lady.
Member of find a Grave
James Landrum
---
1948, Al "Cotton" Farmer was driving a wrecker on assignment to a jalopy stock car meet in Ft. Wort, Texas and was asked if he ever thought of driving. After watching the likes of Jim McElreath and Shady McWorter, he felt he could do better than any of them, so he returned in two weeks with his own jalopy. He set third quick time, started in the dash and within the hour, was upside down. He also raced at Wichita Falls, Texas in 1949 and 1950. About that time he started stooging part time for Jimmy Reece and the John Zink team of Midgets.
In 1950 , he moved to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma where he raced for five years, doing very well, winning the 1954 stock car title. Cotton then began some Midget driving and went to Indianapolis in 1955 hoping to improve his open wheel cockpit experience. From there he got a ride on the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) sprint car circuit. He also obtained his first ride in an Offy midget about this same time. He led a nomad's life, returning occasionally to his Fort Worth home. He broke his back during an IMCA sprint car race at St. Paul, Minnesota in 1959.
In 1960 , Farmer passed his drivers test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Whiile he had rides for the 500 *the next few years, he never was able to qualify. In 1963, when he felt he had his best shot at making the race, he was badly injured in a Midget crash at Toronto, Canada, just prior to the 500.
Friends urged him to enter the Championship division of the 1967 Pikes Peak Hillclimb and car owner Don McCormick entered a car for Cotton. That resulted in near fatal injuries and the end of Farmer's racing career.
He retired from racing having won the Prestigious USAC Ted Horn-Bill Schindler Memorial sprint car race at Williams Grove, Pennsylvania; won eight IMCA sprint Features; he won several races with Tom Cherry's group; two USAC Midget wins; several IMCA Midget wins; and dozen of jalopy stock car victories.
Cotton Farmer was inducted into the Belleville High Banks Hall of Fame in 2000.
Cotton" was generous with his time and resources, especially through the Southside Lions Club, where he was a longtime member, and his affiliation with the Masonic Order. He was also a supporter of children's programs through his involvement in the Lions Club.
"Cotton"'s family extends its thanks for compassionate and loving care to James Parker, M.D. and Cheri Lientz, RN of Texas Health Care and the staffs of Broadway Plaza Health Care Center, Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest and Innovative Hospice Care, Vitas. They also appreciate all the flowers, cards, calls and visits from his friends, race fans and colleagues these past months. The kindness contributed greatly to his quality of life and touched his heart.
Survivors: Brothers, Edward M. "Babe" and Ronald D. "Ronnie" Farmer and their families. His brothers selflessly and diligently worked to ensure "Cotton's well being and good care in the last 18 months of his life.
He is also survived by his loving children, Vickie, Michelle, Carolle, Timothy, their families; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his adored canine companions, John Boy and Lady.
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