Omotayo L. Faleyimu, age 71, died on August 10, 2024 in Clermont, Fl.

He was born on February 19, 1953 in Ikere-Ekiti, Nigeria, son of the late Noah Faleyimu and Adeyemi (Fatalawo) Faleyimu.

As a young child, Omotayo was an eager student who enjoyed all subjects, especially math. He started and ended each school day by working the family farm, and the hours he spent there sparked a lifelong interest in growing and tending plants.

In 1978, he immigrated to the United States to pursue higher studies. In Jacksonville, Florida he met Gloria Kendrick and they went on to have a daughter, Titilayo Kendrick. In 1983, Omotayo graduated from Florida International University in Miami with a mechanical engineering degree.  Later that year he married Laura Farmer and became a stepfather to Jamie Farmer. The couple later had a daughter, Morayo Faleyimu.

Omotayo built his career as a case investigator for the Florida Department of Children and Families. He was known for being quick to smile and even quicker to help his coworkers. Over more than 25 years of service, he helped countless families access funds and resources.

Retirement granted Omotayo more time to pursue his passions. He was a lifelong learner who loved being busy. He taught himself to fix cars, build bookshelves and greenhouses, propagate plants, and restore appliances. Most weekends he spent landscaping the backyard or roaming the aisles at Home Depot, always on the hunt for a nut or a bolt or a pipe that would help him complete his latest project. His boisterous laughter, thoughtful nature, and skilled hands will be greatly missed.

In the United States, he is survived by his daughters, Titilayo Kendrick and Morayo Faleyimu, his stepdaughter Jamie Farmer and his former wife Laura Farmer. In Nigeria, he is survived by his brother Matthew Faleyimu, sister-in-law Modupe Faleyimu, their children Mercy, Mary, and Oluwaniyi Faleyimu, and grandnephew Jeri Moradeyo and grandniece Joanna Moradeyo.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 31st, 2-4PM, at Ludovici Park - Edward and Arlene Community Center in Palmetto Bay, Florida, 33157.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Fairchild Tropical Garden or the Ikere Development Forum in his memory.