Joseph R. Barrientos

LYONS - Barrientos, Joseph R., 78, died April 25, 2006 at Hospice House in Hutchinson. He was born Dec. 6, 1927 at Lyons, the son of John and Isidra Barrientos. A lifelong resident of Lyons, he retired from American Salt Co. in 1989 after a 37-year career in salt mining. He belonged to First United Methodist Church, VFW Post 3184 and was past member of the American Legion. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Army Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 60th Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, in the European Theater. As an accomplished and avid gardener, he was successful in growing numerous varieties of ornamental flowers and trees not commonly found in Central Kansas. He delighted in having unexpected visitors, especially young people, when he was working in his gardens, and always would take time to discuss his plant growing techniques. He was a prolific reader and greatly enjoyed discussions of history and current events. He was a loyal K-State football fan and attended all home games during the past several years. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Della, whom he married in Lyons on Dec. 2, 1961. Other survivors include: son, Bill Sanford and wife Gwyn of Naples, Fla.; sisters, Frances Barrientos, Isabel Cadena and husband John, Beatrice Rau, Caroline Palacioz and husband Felix, Betty Harkrader and husband Ronald, all of Lyons, and Odelia Avila of Wichita; brothers, Daniel Barrientos of Lyons, Louis Barrientos and wife Helen of Broomfield, Colo.; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and other close friends and relatives. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2006 at First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Gary Karas and Andrew Stover presiding. Visitation will be from 4 - 8 p.m. Friday, April 28, 2006, at Sillin Funeral Home. Burial will be in Lyons Municipal Cemetery, with Military Honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard. Memorials to Rice County Council on Aging, in care of Sillin Funeral Home, 214 W. Ave. So., Lyons.