Former Astronaut Candidate Farrell W. Corley – Unclaimed Veteran No Longer

Social media helps friends, family attend funeral of Navy Veteran Farrell Corley
“A Navy veteran was laid to rest at Fort Sill National Cemetery Tuesday, surrounded by friends, family and community members paying their respects. Navy Commander Farrell Corley was originally listed as an unclaimed veteran, but thanks to the power of social media, family and friends that previously couldn’t be located were in attendance. As a result, Tuesday we were able to learn more about the military career of Corley and, more importantly, the man he was. “As spectacular as all of his achievements are, they pale in comparison to him as a man. As a human being,” said Retired Captain John Keilty Jr., who served with Corley. “Ladies and gentlemen, Farrell Corley was good. Only the best get to fly the F-14 Tomcat.”
Keith’s update: FYI Former Astronaut Bill Readdy saw this post on NASAWatch and was involved in reaching Captain Keilty such that he could be at the service. Others saw this post and others on the Internet and made similar efforts to reach people. Thanks to everyone involved.

Please consider supporting Wreaths Across America – Sponsorship 10 Wreaths, Location to Support: Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, OK 73538
Public invited to funeral for unclaimed veteran, KSWO
“The public is invited to attend the funeral of an unclaimed veteran this Tuesday. United States Navy Veteran Commander Farrell W. Corley will be laid to rest at Fort Sill National Cemetery Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. The memorial service includes military funeral honors with the playing of “Taps” and the presentation of a folded American flag. The Fort Sill National Cemetery is located at 2648 North East Jake Dunn Road in Elgin.”
Fifth Group Of Astronaut Candidates Named, AP (7 April 1987)
“Twenty-four astronaut candidates, the last of 112 applicants now being considered, will be interviewed this week at the Johnson Space Center, NASA says. … Navy Lt. Cmdr. Farrell W. Corley…”
Farrell Wayne Corley, Spacefacts.De
“Lieutenant Commander, USN; graduate of the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School – Class 84 (Engineering Test Pilot Course from July 1983 to June 1984); Degrees in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Oklahoma (1972) and in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School; at the time of selection stationed at NAS Miramar, San Diego, Cailfornia; semi finalist in NASA group 12 selection.”
Keith’s note: Ad Astra Commander Corley.
Keith’s update: As a result of this posting on NASAWatch one of Cmdr. Corley’s United States Naval Test Pilot School classmates, Captain John Keilty Jr. (Ret.) who now lives in Oklahoma will be at the funeral tomorrow and will give a eulogy.
(Below) Statement from the SETP
“The Society was saddened to learn of the “Last Flight” of CDR Farrell W. Corley, USN (Ret) (M) on 3 December 2021. He was 71.
Farrell was born 28 December 1949 in Elk City. OK. He graduated from Elk City High School in 1968 before receiving a Master of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1974 and entering the USN the same year.
During his career he did initial developmental live fire tests with modified NASA/Navy Gun Gas Purge diverter door for the M-61Gatling gun. F-14A inflight refueling compatibility tests with S-3A configured with D-704 biddy store, weapon system developmental flight tests and F-14A/TF-30 afterburner rumble. He also did AN/ASW-27C tests, developmental flight tests of F-14A anti-jam Link IV fighter-fighter data link, F-18/BSU-85 weapon separation, F-14A/TF-30-P-414A low smoke combustor and avionics suitability tests of voice activated ICS in F-14A.
He was also involved in airborne antenna pattern measurements on the F-14A/ALQ-167, captive carriage envelope expansion and flight tests with engine development modifications to reduce airframe and engine deflections.
Commander Farrell was laid to rest at Fort Sill National Cemetery in Eglin, OK 14 December 2021.”