A Kansas man was born shortly before World War II when Americans willingly rationed supplies and sent their children to fight in wars, but, according to his obituary "he died in a world where many of his fellow Americans refuse to wear a piece of cloth on their face to protect one another."
Marvin James Farr, 81, of Scott City, Kansas, died of the coronavirus Tuesday at the Park Lane Nursing Home. in public or take seriously the COVID-19 pandemic, which has killed more than 275,000 Americans.
Farr's last days, the obituary said, "were harder, scarier and lonelier than necessary."
"He died in a room not his own, being cared for by people dressed in confusing and frightening ways," the obituary said. "He was not surrounded by his friends and family."
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He had been in isolation since Thanksgiving, according to a Facebook post from his son, Courtney Farr.
According to data from the Scott County Health Department, five people in the county have died of the rapidly spreading virus. There are 376 cases. Statewide, there have been 162,061 reported cases and 1,679 deaths.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued two statewide mask orders since the pandemic began but individual counties have the option of opting out.
According to the obituary, Farr was fascinated by the science of life and pursued that knowledge as a veterinarian. However, the obituary said, the science Farr dedicated his professional life to has now been disparaged by the same people who depended on his expertise.
The obituary says Farr was religious and a "man of the community."
"He would look after those who had harmed him the deepest, a sentiment echoed by the healthcare workers struggling to do their jobs as their own communities turn against them or make their jobs harder," the obituary said.
In a Facebook post sharing the obituary, Courtney Farr said the obituary was written in the manner it was because he had spent the past several months listening to people in his hometown claim the coronavirus isn't real or isn't that bad and that masks don't work.
"Because of the prevalence of those attitudes, my father's death was so much harder on him, his family and his caregivers than it should have been," Courtney Farr wrote.
In a separate post, Courtney Farr wrote that he often argued about politics with his father and so the political nature of the obituary was fitting.
"I'm sure my father's main complaint would be that he doesn't have the chance to give you all his two cents," he wrote. Â
The List: 12+ masks that would make great gifts
The List: 12+ masks that would make great gifts
Hamilton mask

"Hamilton" mask • So many great "Hamilton" quotes can be found on face masks: "Not throwing away my shot," "Awesome! Wow!" "The world turned upside down" and "Work." We like the "Rise up" one, too. $8 atÂ
Hello Kitty face mask

Kitty mask • Hello Kitty plus unicorns? She will love it. $9.99 atÂ
Knit mask

Knit mask • Perfect for keeping your nose warm this winter, this knit face mask does double duty. $16.95 at MOss Boutique, 329 South Main Street, St. Charles,
Book Nerd Mask

Book nerd mask • Show off your love for reading with this book nerd mask. Featuring multiple different "bookish" designs and sizes, you have a variety of options to choose from. $12 at Subterranean Books, 6275 Delmar Boulevard,Â
Shark mask

Shark mask • Hide your own jaws with this protective shark mask from the St. Louis Zoo, which come in sizes for mom, dad, sister and brother shark. The zoo offers more animal mask designs, such as a tiger, dinosaur, red panda and giraffe. $5 at St. Louis Zoo, 1 Government Drive,Â
Fauci mask

Fauci facepalm mask • Maybe you felt it, too. The Dr. Fauci, Facepalm Felt Around the World Mask, isn't for everyone, but you will know exactly the perfect person to give this to. $12.99 atÂ
Vera Bradley mask

Vera Bradley mask • Of course, the queen of cloth patterns has face masks. This pattern is called Vines Floral. $8 atÂ
St. Louis mask

St. Louis face mask • This bright orange face mask will easily show your city pride from more than 6 feet away. A filter pocket is included, and a portion of the proceeds go to Arch City Defenders. $5.95 at STL- Style, 3159 Cherokee Street,Â
Animal print mask

Tiger queen • Wear this animal print mask with your favorite, stylish black. $40 atÂ
Rag & Bone stealth masks

Eco-friendly masks • Made in the U.S., this three-pack of Stealth Masks from Rag & Bone are made from upcycled fabrics. $55 atÂ
Star Wars face masks

"Star Wars" masks • Kids and adults (three sizes available) can show their love for R2-D2 and friends with these cloth masks. $19.99 atÂ
St. Louis flag mask

STL flag • These masks featuring the St. Louis flag were a hot seller originally, and may be again for the holiday season. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to  to support homeless families in metro St. Louis. $5.95 at STL-Style, 3159 Cherokee Street,Â