J.R. Claibourn, 87, a lifelong resident of Wilson County, died Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at Fredonia Regional Hospital. He was born Nov. 24, 1924 in Wilson County, near Roper, the son of James Ross and Cora Delilah Shoaf Claibourn. He was a 1943 graduate of Fredonia High School.

On Dec. 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 ½ 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.

Survivors include two daughters, Sue Ella Creager, Fredonia, Martha Lara, Kansas City, Kan.; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma.

Funeral will be 1 p.m. today, March 9 at the Timmons Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. 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 Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS 66736. Words of condolence for the family may be sent to www.timmonsfuneralhome.com