Wiley Barks

Wiley Bill Barks, 87, of Russellville died Thursday, July 24, 2008, at his home. A son of the late Jake Barks and Annie Davis Barks Carey, he was born March 2, 1921, in Manila. He never missed a Black Water reunion. He was a farmer and resided in California for 49 years before moving to Russellville in 1999.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Timothy Barks; a brother, Jess Barks; a stepbrother, Raymond Carey; and a great-grandson, Andrew Jackson.

Survivors include his wife, Lessie Barks; a son, Bob Barks and his wife Marjorie of Madera, Calif.; two daughters, Wilma King and her husband Robert of Russellville and Joanne Jackson and fiance Kelly Sisk of Strathmore, Calif.; two half-brothers, Frank and Vernon Carey, both of Kansas City, Mo.; a stepbrother, Roy Carey Neely of Jonesboro; four half-sisters, Jean Lozier of Michigan, Sue Green and Trilla Wheeler, both of Kansas City, Mo., and Patricia "Pung" Dennis of Colorado; two stepsisters, Oneda Myers and Ruby Gibson, both of Jonesboro; six grandchildren, Jason Jackson of Porterville, Calif., Luke Jackson of Exeter, Calif., Amber Beasley of Fresno, Calif., Brenna Barks and Tristan Barks, both of Madera, Calif., and Janis Taylor of Russellville; and six great-grandchildren, Hannah, Ryan, Haley and Jacob Jackson and Thomas and Marin Beasley.

The funeral was held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, at Shinn Chapel and officiated by Rev. Ronnie Morris. Entombment was at Rest Haven Memorial Park Mausoleum under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service.

Children and family members served as active pallbearers.