Former Marion County Record reporter Jerry Buxton, 68, of Larned, died Feb. 5 at Hospice Hospital in Hutchinson.

He was born Dec. 14, 1942, in Ransom, to Richard C. and Esther (Johannes) Buxton.

He was the class valedictorian at Ransom High School where he graduated in 1960. He attended the University of Kansas and graduated from Fort Hays State University.

He worked for several Kansas and Oklahoma newspapers, most recently for the Great Bend Tribune, where he was employed as a reporter covering Pawnee County.

He was a reporter with the Record for six months in 2003, covering city and county news.

He was honored by the Wet/Dry Routes Chapter of the Santa Fe Trail Association with a lifetime honorary membership.

Survivors include two sisters, Willie Ford of Kennewick, Wash., and Velda Robinson of Kodak, Tenn.; and a half brother, Reggie Buxton.

A private family burial will be held at a later date.

Elliott Mortuary of Hutchinson is in charge of arrangements.