Kevin Farrell

United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Kevin Farrell passed away on May 19, 2024, from service-connected T-cell lymphoma.  

Farrell was born on July 4, 1972, in the West Indies to Heather and Keith. He later immigrated to the United States and settled in Miami, where he lived with his aunt. After graduating from Northwestern High School, Farrell set his sights on building a meaningful future for himself. With a strong sense of purpose and a desire to serve, he chose a path that would shape the rest of his life. On February 24, 2000, Farrell joined the United States Marine Corps, beginning a journey of service, dedication, and sacrifice. 

Throughout Farrell’s distinguished military career, his dedication to duty and commitment to service were reflected in the numerous awards, qualifications, and commendations he received. Among his accomplishments were the Meritorious Mast, Sharpshooter Rifle Qualification Badge, and Good Conduct Medal. His service also took him around the world, including participation in the Alexander the Great exercise in Greece, the Unit Deployment Program in Japan, the Marine Rotational Force in Darwin, Australia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Through each assignment and deployment, Farrell demonstrated the discipline, dedication, and commitment that defined his military service. 

A natural-born leader, Farrell had a gift for teaching, guiding, and encouraging others. He was often called upon to mentor those around him, whether at church, community events, or family gatherings. His willingness to invest his time and wisdom in others left a lasting impression, particularly on the young Marines he served alongside. One young Marine shared with Farrell’s wife, Yachtres “Tres,” that if Farrell had not taken the time to mentor and guide him, he would not have made it. For Farrell, helping others succeed was more than a responsibility—it was simply who he was. 

One story Farrell often shared with Tres captured the compassion and genuine care he had for others. While serving in Japan, Farrell volunteered to counsel orphaned children, who were excited to meet someone who looked different from them. What touched him the most, however, was how warmly they welcomed him, eagerly inviting him to play and read stories together. The experience reflected the compassion, generosity, and ability to make others feel seen and valued that were at the heart of who Farrell was. He did more than lead others; he inspired them, guided them, and helped them believe in what they could become. 

In February 2002, Farrell met the love of his life, Tres, through a mutual friend in Sale City, Georgia. From the moment they met, Farrell was drawn to her, and he made the trip to see her every weekend as their relationship quickly grew. Tres was equally drawn to Farrell’s character, gentle demeanor, and deep love for God. He treated her with love, dignity, and respect, always making sure she felt cared for and cherished. A true gentleman, Farrell cooked, cleaned, willingly took on the difficult tasks, and never missed an opportunity to open a door for Tres. All he asked in return was for her love and respect. 

Farrell and Tres treasured the life they built together and found joy in both the extraordinary moments and the simple ones. They traveled together, enjoyed cruises, shared dinners and date nights in Carlsbad, and made a point of savoring every opportunity to simply be in each other’s company. No matter where they were or what they were doing, Farrell had a way of making Tres feel loved, valued, and cared for. 

Their marriage was a true partnership, rooted in love, laughter, faith, and devotion. For nearly twenty-three years, they walked through life side by side, creating memories and building a family they cherished deeply. Above all, Farrell and Tres never took their time together for granted. They cherished one another and were grateful for the life they were blessed to share. 

Farrell leaves behind a lasting legacy of faith, truth, and unwavering devotion to his family. He studied the Word of God day and night, allowing his faith to guide the way he lived and treated others. He was a man of integrity who always spoke the truth, regardless of who was watching or who might be affected by it. Farrell had a joyful spirit and a wonderful sense of humor. He could bring laughter into any room and was often the life of the party. His faithfulness to God and his family was evident in everything he did. He served God faithfully until the very end. Even when he was not healed, he found peace in knowing that he had lived a life devoted to God and had faithfully served Him with his time, his gifts, and his heart. 

Tres and their son, Landon, honor Farrell’s memory every day, through a memorial space in their home dedicated to celebrating his life and legacy. They carry his memory forward by living according to the values and principles he demonstrated throughout their family. Farrell deeply valued honesty and believed in always telling the truth. He often reminded his family that no matter who might become upset or disagree, God would hold him accountable if he chose to lie. Tres and Landon will continue to live by those principles, honoring Farrell not only through their memories of him, but through the way they live their lives. To Tres, he will forever be her sweetheart, her soulmate, and the love of her life. His faith, love, laughter, and example will live on in all who were blessed to know him. 

United States Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant Kevin Farrell is survived by his devoted wife, Tres, and his children, Davaren Alford and Landon Farrell. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Farrell family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.