NEWTON — Eugene “Gene” Franklin Barnard I, 95, passed away Thursday, June 20, 2013, at Kansas Christian Home in Newton. He was born April 25, 1918, to Orval Franklin and Ina Pearl (Trimble) Barnard in the Christian Church parsonage in Osborne. A sister, Elva Ilene (Barnard) Koch, was born Nov. 7, 1921. All three preceded him in death.

On June 1, 1939, Gene and Eunice (Jari) Clara Jarrett were married by his father at First Christian Church in Atchison. She preceded him in death in 1999. They are survived by six children, Genene Kay (Steve) Faubion, of Salina, Eugene Franklin Barnard II, of Hutchinson, Lynn Edward Barnard, of Laguna Niguel, Calif., J. Lee Barnard, of Chino, Calif., Kristin Gay (Art) James, of Hemet, Calif., and Donna Sue (Frank) Basirico, of Menifee, Calif.; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and Gene’s special friend, Eucola May and family, of Nardin, Okla.

Gene graduated from high school in Doniphan, Kan., in 1936. He began raising and showing poultry as a 4-H project. This passion led to him becoming a poultry judge in January 1940.

He worked in Kansas hatcheries, including one in Newton. He spent 33 months (1943-46) in the United States Army, serving in Germany and France during World War II and was a first lieutenant when discharged. He went back to work for Salsbury Laboratories selling medications for livestock (mostly poultry) while traveling in Kansas, Missouri and California before moving to the home office in Charles City, Iowa, in 1969. He was director of sales when he retired early in 1981 after 38 years with the company.

Gene and Jari then moved to Rogers, Ark., and he more actively pursued the raising, showing and judging of poultry across the U.S. Until his death, Gene was the oldest living American Poultry Association judge.

A memorial service will be held at 11:15 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, at Kansas Christian Home, 1035 S.E. Third St., Newton. Officiating will be the Rev. Denny Bell, chaplain at the home, and the Rev. Gary Bell, pastor of First Christian Church in Newton, where Gene was a member.

Cremation has been chosen, and a family service will be held at a later date at the Doniphan Cemetery in northeast Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Belmont Boulevard Christian Church, 2508 Belmont Boulevard, Salina 67401.

Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is handling arrangements. care of Ryan Funeral Home, 137 N. Eighth, Salina, KS 67401.