June 28, 1969 – Dec. 27, 2011

NATCHEZ — Memorial services for Joseph Derrick McFarland, 42, of Natchez, who died Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011, will be at noon Friday at Trinity Episcopal Church with the Father Walton Jones officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of LA Mulhleisen and Sons Funeral Home in Metairie, La.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Friday in the parish hall at the church.

Mr. McFarland was born June 28, 1969, in Memphis, Tenn., the son of Richard and Marsha McFarland. He was a 1987 graduate of Pineville High School in Pineville, La. He was employed with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers for 16 years as chief of operations and maintenance.

Mr. McFarland attended Trinity Episcopal Church.

He was also a member of Krewe of Fat Mamas Tamales, the Elks Lodge and was involved in various community activities.

Joseph was an avid musician and marksman. He was the 2002 Vicksburg District Construction Inspector of the Year and 2002 Mississippi River Valley Division Construction Inspector of the Year.

Mr. McFarland was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Nancy McFarland; his parents; one brother, Justin McFarland and his wife; mother-in-law, Nancy Middlebrooks; five aunts, Donna Kremer and her husband, Mary Milligan, Ann Peters, Ann Derrick and Charleen Williams; cousin, Blayn Chipman and his family; one sister-in-law, Adrian White; niece/goddaughter, Fiona White; and a number of other family and friends.

Joseph had a very loving and kind spirit that could always be counted on. He embraced life to the fullest.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Sunshine Shelter for Abused and Neglected Children.