For more information, see the Feb. 17, 2010, issue of the Labette Avenue. To locate previously posted death notices, enter the decedent’s last name in the archive search box on Labette Avenue’s home page. Labette Avenue publishes death notices free of charge. Paid obituaries ($20) are printed in their entirety in the Labette Avenue and online at www.taylornews.org/lba.

Jerry Lee Barker

VINITA, Okla.—Jerry Lee Barker, 74, of Vinita, Okla., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, at Craig General Hospital in Vinita.

No services will be held. The family will receive family and friends at the home, located at 215 South Foreman, Vinita, Okla.

Arrangements entrusted to Jim Thomas, Thomas Funeral Home, Welch, Okla.

Jerry was born June 26, 1935, in Bartlett, Kan., to John C. and Dorothy D. (Sanderson) Barker. After his schooling, he proudly served his country with the United States Army in Germany. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Anellia Derkowski, in Oswego, Kan.

He was an avid truck driver for many years before retiring. He had a great respect for law enforcement which drove him to become Cleet Certified. He worked in law enforcement for over 25 years and was the Cherokee Indian Marshal for most of that time. He took great pride in his work. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing with family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Surviving are his loving wife of 44 years; one son, Jerry Wayne Barker and wife Chris, Oswego, Kan.; two daughters, Bonnie Gilley and husband Randy, Salina, Okla.; and Pam James and husband Frank, Parsons; one brother, Daniel Barker, Garden Grove, Calif.; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a host of friends.

Rex. J. Sumpter

HUMBOLDT—Rex J. Sumpter, 68, of Humboldt, Kan., died Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010, at Heritage Health Care Center in Chanute. He had been in failing health.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 18, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to the Rex Sumpter Memorial Fund. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357.

Joshua T. Easley

OSWEGO—Joshua Thomas Earnest Easley, 17, of Oswego, Kan., passed away Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, at St. Francis Health System in Tulsa after an illness.

Services were held Wednesday, Feb. 17, at Thomas Funeral Home, Welch, Okla. Burial was in Rogers Cemetery, Welch.

The family suggests memorials to the Children’s Center of Bethany, Okla., in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 231, Welch, OK 74369.

Eugene “Gene” Homesley

LUBBOCK, Texas—Eugene “Gene” Homesley, 88, a former Parsons, Kan., resident, died Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010, at a care home in Lubbock, Texas.

Funeral services  will be at 2 p.m., Friday, at Resthaven Funeral Chapel in Lubbock. Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park at Lubbock.

Virgil Oler

PARSONS—Virgil Oler, 89, of Parsons died at 12:43 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010, in the emergency room of Labette Health. He had been in failing health. His wife, Frances Oler, survives of the home.

Complete obituary details and funeral arrangements will be announced by Carson-Wall Funeral Home.

Shane Allen Gurnee

HALLOWELL—Shane Allen Gurnee, 49, of Hallowell, Kan., passed away Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, at his home following a long, courageous fight with cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday Feb. 16,in the Murdock Chapel, Columbus, with Revs. Michael and Darlene Bowen officiating. Interment will follow in the McKee Cemetery, north of Hallowell. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Murdock Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses. Condolences may be left at www.murdockfuneralhomes.com.