J.R. Claibourn

J.R. Claibourn, 87 a lifelong resident of Wilson County, Kansas, died Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at Fredonia Regional Hospital. He was born November 24, 1924 in Wilson County, near Roper, Kansas, the son of James Ross and Cora Delilah (Shoaf) Claibourn. He was a 1943 graduate of Fredonia High School. On December 1, 1943 in Fredonia, J.R. married Thelma Watkins. She preceded him in death April 20, 2001. J.R. worked at General Portland Cement Company/Lafarge in Fredonia as a lab tech for 42 " years before his retirement. He also owned and operated Claibourn Manufacturing for many years. J.R. was a member of the First Assembly of God Church, the Fredonia Saddle Club, and active member of the Wilson County Fair Association Board. He loved to fish and square dance. He and Thelma also served as a camp host at Fall River Lake for many years and enjoyed being members of the Good S.A.M.S. Camping Club. They wintered in Texas for several years. In his younger years, J.R. was also a horse jockey, competing in Fredonia, Eureka, and Galena. J.R."s survivors include: Two Daughters: Sue Ella Creager and husband David of Fredonia, KS Martha Lara and husband William of Kansas City, KS Three Grandchildren: Becky Hendrickson and husband Rex of Paola, KS William Lara Jr. and wife Jennifer of Kansas City, KS Melissa Mills of Platte City, MO 8 great grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Cora Claibourn, and wife, Thelma. Funeral services will be Friday, March 9, 2012, 1:00 P.M. at the Timmons Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gene Benefiel of the Buxton Christian Church officiating. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. A visitation has been schedule for Thursday March 8, 2012, 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. at Timmons Funeral Home. Memorials have been established in J.R"s name with the Wilson County Fair Association and the American Diabetes Association and may be sent to the funeral home. Words of condolence for the family may be left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.