WWII veteran, retired Crystal Lake high school assistant principal celebrates 100th birthday

Still living independently, Crystal Lake resident Bob Farris celebrated a century of life after turning 100 on Friday.

Four generations of family members celebrated Farris' 100th birthday Saturday at Turnberry Golf Club in Lakewood. Farris was born Jan. 17, 1925.

Farris said his secret to staying healthy and living on his own at 100 is “being active.” He said he has loved seeing the “really great changes” made over 100 years in technology and cars to even the moon landing he watched on TV in 1969.

However, Farris himself cannot believe the long life he has carried so far.

“I’m shocked,” he said.

Farris has been married to his wife, Helen, 97, for 78 years. He said they were high school sweethearts and always knew she was the one.

Farris was the assistant principal of Community High School District 155 Crystal Lake Central and South high schools from 1971 to 1987. He helped open South in 1978 and got to work with the committee of parents, students and teachers to create the name and gators mascot.

“At the time, Florida was doing really good with football,” Farris said. “So, it made sense to call the school South and make them the Gators.”

Farris grew up in Johnston City, Illinois, where “the roots run a little deeper,” he said. He then moved to Crystal Lake when he took the job as assistant principal in 1971 and has lived there ever since.

“It’s kind of a big deal to be turning 100 and living on your own,” daughter Kristi Langton said.

Farris is a World War II veteran who served in the Navy as a radio operator from 1943 to 1946.

From being principal in a school in central Illinois to being a high school basketball coach, Farris said his favorite role was working at Crystal Lake South High School.

“I never imagined it would grow so fast,” he said.