Kenneth R. Barta, 86, passed away Thursday, March 7, after a short bout with cancer. He was born Jan. 11, 1927, in Ellsworth County, to George and Vlasta (Doubrava) Barta.

Kenneth was a lifetime resident of Ellsworth and retired postmaster. He married Lorene A. Svoboda Oct. 14, 1947, in Ellsworth. Kenneth was a member of the American Legion, Lyons Club, VFW, Knights of Columbus, St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Senior Center board, school board, and JH Robbins Memorial Library board, all of Ellsworth. He also served his country in the Army during WWII.

Kenneth is survived by; wife, Lorene of Ellsworth; sons, Larry R. Barta and wife Ellen (Fulton) of Virginia Beach, Va., and Gary K. Barta of Topeka; daughter, Cathy, and husband Jerry Soukup of Ellsworth; brother, George Barta Jr. of Jewell; sisters, Kathryn Dees of Ellsworth, Vivian Peppiatt of Ellsworth, and Rosemary Morris of Woodland, Utah; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by grandchildren, Ty and Matthew and sister, Marjorie Thompson.

Visitation will be 1-8 p.m. Monday at Parsons Funeral Home, Ellsworth, with a vigil service at 6 p.m.

Funeral service will be at 4 p.m, Tuesday at the St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Ellsworth, with burial following in Ellsworth Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ellsworth Senior Center or the church, in care of the funeral home, P.O. Box 45, Ellsworth, Kan. 67439.