FARRIS, Billy Brent

Corporal Billy Brent Farris, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Division of Stryker Brigade Combat Team of Fort Lewis, Washington, was killed in action during a convoy mission in Taji, Iraq on December 3, 2006. Corporal Farris was born January 25, 1986 in Phoenix, Arizona and attended St. Peters Indian Mission School in Bapchule, Arizona. He attended high school at Casa Grande Union High School for two years then transferred to Chemawa Indian School in Salem, Oregon, graduating in May of 2004. Corporal Farris entered the United States Army July 13, 2004 and completed basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia, then was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington with the Stryker Brigade Combat Team. His unit departed for Mosul, Iraq in June of 2006. While they were moving South towards Baghdad his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb. He is survived by his parents, Elizabeth and Larry Antone of Bapchule, AZ, his son, Kaiden Rae Farris of Fairbanks, Alaska, brothers Thomas and Shaun, sister Krista. He is preceded in death by his brother Brandon in 2001. Visitation 4 p.m. Monday, December 11, Mass Tuesday, December 12 at 8 a.m. at St. Peter's Mission Catholic Church in Bapchule, Arizona with burial in St. Peter's Cemetery. Officiating will be Father Edward Muelmans. Arrangements entrusted to Simes Mortuaries Casa Grande Chapel. ©Casa Grande Valley Newspapers Inc. 2006