Born in 1928, Morris Farrar grew up southeast of Guthree, Oklahoma, on a farm. In addition to being in the dairy industry, his family custom cut and baled hay to supplement their income. When his father became ill during his freshman year, Morris left high school to support his family as the eldest son.
Morris embarked on his pipeline career in 1949, working on a significant 300-mile pipeline project stretching from Cushing, Oklahoma, to Borger, Texas. Then in 1952, he married the love of his life, Barbara “Bobbie” Pickle-Farrar. Less than a year later, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving in the Korean War and returning as a Sergeant in December 1954. Post-war, Morris swiftly climbed the ranks in the pipeline industry, becoming a construction superintendent by 1957.
In 1962, Morris and Barbara settled in Dover, Oklahoma, laying the foundation for their future. They ventured into entrepreneurship in 1968, founding Farrar Construction. Starting with just eight employees, they grew the business to over 300, focusing on installing oil and gas pipelines in Oklahoma and neighboring states.
Morris joined the Rocky Mountain Pipeline Contractors Association in the late 1970s, where he served as an active member, on the Board of Directors, and as President.
In addition to Farrar Construction, Morris established Capitol Trencher Corporation in 1979. The company manufactured trenchers, many of which are still in use today. Besides his pipeline endeavors, he was a lifelong farmer and rancher. Along with his own farm and ranch operation, located in a couple of different counties in Oklahoma, he purchased and ran Oklahoma Feeders feedlot in Coyle. His community engagement was profound, exemplified by a 25-year tenure on the Kingfisher County Excise Board, over 50 years as a Mason, and a lifelong member of the Baptist Church.
Morris's legacy is carried on by his three sons, Randy, Steve, and Mark, who purchased Farrar Construction Company in 1996.
