Obituary of Farris Saffa

Farris P. Saffa, a man strong in his Catholic faith and family life, was also known for his astute business skills. Born in July 31, 1918 in Drumright, OK, where his father owned a grocery store, Farris proved his leadership abilities early in life. Before graduating high school in 1936, he received state-wide recognition as quarterback on the football team. Chosen twice for All State teams, he went on to attend the University of Notre Dame on an athletic scholarship playing left halfback from 1936 to 1940. After receiving his Accounting degree in 1940, he served three years in the World War II European Theatre as member of the US Army, 82nd Airborne Division. In 1949 Farris began his business as a beer distributor and on February 16, 1953, he married Anne Pinnell in Springfield, MO. Their family would eventually include four daughters and a son; one daughter, Kathleen died at birth. In 1959, Farris established the Saffa Beverage Company, a wholesale liquor and wine distributorship and was instrumental in the reform of antiquated liquor laws. Farris was member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Sales Executive Club, the Notre Dame Club of Tulsa, the Tulsa Country Club, and was the fourth degree in Knights of Columbus. Additional ventures included operation of a supper club called the Fond du Lac and renovating and renaming the 600 acre Indian Nations Amusement Park in Jenks, OK. At the time, he owned the largest wooden rollercoaster in the World until it was destroyed by a tornado. Farris donated the wood from the rollercoaster to Discovery Land to be used to build bleachers for the outdoor theatre show, "Oklahoma." A beloved husband and father, Farris is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anne; daughters, Toni Wersal and her husband, Dean; Terri Saffa; Tamme Saffa-Baker and her husband, Bob; son, Farris and his wife, Cathleen; grandchildren Jessica, Jon, Katie, Russell and Mariah; 10 wonderful great-grandchildren.