Eli Barks

Eli John "Fat" Barks, the son of the late William and Bessie Steward Barks, was born in McGee, Missouri on February 17, 1929, and passed away at his home in McGee, Missouri on July 4, 2008, at the age of 79 years, 4 months and 17 days. Mr. Barks had lived in McGee, Missouri all of his life. He attended the Bright Prospect Church in McGee and had been a cattle farmer, logger and worked in Saw Mills. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army. On May 25, 1956, he was married to Laverne Rose in DeSoto Co., Mississippi. She preceded him in death on May 1, 1989. Surviving are three daughters, Marilyn VanMatre and Debbie Kelley both of McGee, Missouri, Kathy Davis of Silva, Missouri; five grandchildren; five great grandchildren; two brothers, Ivan Barks of Cahokia, Illinois, Lloyd Barks of Puxico, Missouri; four sisters, Goldie Hefner of Dexter, Missouri, Mary Johnson of Watson, Oklahoma, Irene Hendrix and Bernice Adams both of Puxico, Missouri. Many other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by one son, Dennis Joe Barks, two brothers, Sherman and Joe Barks and one sister, Berta Lee Barks. Friends may call on Sunday, July 6, 2008, after 12:00 PM at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Puxico, Missouri. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2008, at 2:00 PM in the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Puxico, Missouri with the Rev. Marvin Jones of Puxico, Missouri officiating and the Rev. Lloyd Barks of Puxico, Missouri assisting. Interment will be in the New Hope Cemetery in McGee, Missouri with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Puxico, Missouri in charge of arrangements.