Obituary - Joseph Willard Barker

Joseph (Papa Joe) Willard Barker, 75, passed away peacefully at Moore-Few Care Center on Monday, August 7, 2023 following a lengthy illness. Joe was born April 27th, 1948 in Holden, MO to Willard and Betty (Cox) Barker.

Joe grew up in Holden, MO and traveled the majority of his life. He later settled in Nevada, MO where he operated the salvage yard and several car lots. Joe had a love for fast cars and fishing.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Roy, Don, Larry, Eddie, and Marvin; and a son, Vince Barker. Survivors include his son, James (Amber) Barker; daughter-in-law, Michelle Barker Zibert; his step mother, Anna Barker; grandchildren, Braxton, Blaise, Casey, Emily, Trenton, and Clayton; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 14, 2023 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Gary Clark officiating. Joe’s wishes were to be cremated and a Committal service will follow in Newton Burial Park, Nevada, next to his son, Vince. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

From the desk of Bates County Coroner Greg Mullinax

On Wednesday, August 2nd just before 7:30 AM the Coroner's office was called to an address near Worland in southwest Bates County. A 39 year-old male had been found unresponsive by family members. First responders and EMS arrived but unfortunately were not successful. Autopsy examination is complete and results are pending at this time. I appreciate Rich Hill Fire for their assistance on scene.

 
Later the same day just before 2:30 PM I was called to a residence in Adrian. A 71-year old female had been discovered deceased by police following wellbeing check requested by family. As death was not discovered immediately, autopsy is employed to confirm identification of decedent and determine cause and manner of death. Identification is complete and the case remains open pending final report. Much appreciation to Adrian Police for their help.

Neither case is suspicious for an indication of foul play.
Greg Mullinax
Bates County Coroner

The Museum Minute

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Kern Center calendar

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Butler Senior Center Menu

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What's Up by LeRoy Cook

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Tuesday Night Thunderstorms..

More seasonal temperatures in store for the area today, with highs well into the 80s.

Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to move in overnight tonight with gusty winds and heavy rain being the primary hazards.

Still some uncertainty regarding the strong thunderstorms moving in later tonight, but here's a rough timing of the thunderstorm arrival times.

2023 Amsterdam Jubilee Grand Marshal Sharon Ewbank

Picking the Grand Marshal for the Jubilee is never an easy task. A community is made up of all kinds of people and in our community we are extremely lucky that we have the people we have.

The ones that have gotten us to where we are and the ones that will take us on into the future. With that in mind, this Grand Marshal pick was an easy choice.

Many years ago, because of her and her late husband that Jubilee did not die out and was saved to live on for years to come. They influnced many that sit on the committee presently to continue to do the right thing in the name of community and tradition and to have fun doing it. For that, Amsterdam, Jubilee and a tradition that spans 47 years owes you a great graditude.

Ladies and Gentlemen your 2023 Amsterdam Jubilee Grand Marshal is Sharon Ewbank. Sharon Virgin Ewbank was born and raised just over the state line in LaCygne Ks. She is the mother of 2 Miami Graduates. Bryan Hendrix and wife Steph (also a Miami alum) of Lexington Tx. and Tracey Hendrix Correll of Lee's Summit Mo. Sharon has one granddaughter, Addison Correll of Olathe Ks.

She moved to Amsterdam in 1967 and in 1984 she married the love of her life, Roger Ewbank. Adding 3 more children to the mix Perry Ewbank of Butler, Tracy and wife Angela of Amsterdam and Jennifer Doring and Husband P.J. of Kansas City Ks. This would expand this family even more adding 9 more grandchildren. Celia, Anthony, Zachary, Jordyn, Trevor, Kaylee, Elayna, Elizabeth and Alex. 6 great grandchildren Zain, Nolan, Trent, James, Briley and Avalee to their legacy.

In the late 1980s Sharon and Roger took over at the helm of the Amsterdam Jubilee. With community and family always at the top of their list, Roger and Sharon took on their role with the Jubilee with laughter, love and fun. It was their mission to make sure that day with off with little to no problems, so we could celebrate as a community that night. They finished the 80s off serving their community as Jubilee Presidents.

In 1991, the Lord called Roger home, leaving a hole for many of us, in the community. After that, Sharon who had been a business owner in Amsterdam, moved to Harrisonville Mo. for a few years. Lucky for us, she came to her senses and found her way back home and moved back to Bates County in 1995.

From 1967 to 1985 you would find Sharon working multiple jobs in and around Amsterdam. She worked at Bass Busters while waitressing at the Amsterdam Cafe for Nason and Barb Corwine.
In 1986 she took a leap and attended cosmetology school in Grandview Mo. She opened her own salon on the farm in Amsterdam "Country Road Salon". For nearly 10 years you could stop in to her place and feel like you were home.

Sharon has always been a strong advocate for the students at Miami. Being a business owner was just an extension of that, she could give of her time and of her money to help in anyway it was needed and she did just that. She was always the first to take on as many students as she could handle at any given time, because of her heart, she cares deeply for each and everyone's wellbeing and safety.

She served as room mother, attended every event her kids were involved in, decorated for mutiple events, and always provided a safe and loving enviroment for all the kids of the community, who she truly loved.

Parties at Sharon and Roger's. A safe place for Graduations, Proms, and anything in general. They were "Project Prom" before there was "Project Prom" With Sharon and Roger, closely standing by, every child safe. This would later manifest when Sharon would mount her Harley Davidson and become a member of B.A.C.A (Bikers Against Child Abuse) for nearly 10 years, escorting abused children to court, so they would not be alone when they had to address their abuser.

Today she lives in Adrian. She is a member of our beloved Amsterdam Friendship Club. She enjoys bowling, playing cards, spending times with family, friends and going to the casino.

What Sharon taught the members of the present Jubilee committee is that time is short, do good for others and laugh while you are doing it. This year it is our honor to honor Mrs. Sharon Ewbank as our 2023 Amsterdam Jubilee Grand Marshal.