Stephen E. Yarnell, 63, longtime resident of Buffalo, died Thursday, June 3, 2010 at the Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center in Chanute.

Stephen was born on Feb. 11, 1947 to Laurel E. and Ruth E. Olson Yarnell, Buffalo.

He was united in marriage to Sandra S. Crumrine on July 3, 1970. She survives, of the home.

Steve was an employee of the Kansas Department of Transportation for 23 years. He was a member of the United Methodist Church and the NRA. He was a volunteer fireman for the Wilson County Rural Fire Department and volunteer weather spotter for the National Weather Service.

Steve loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and hunting. He loved people, and was always willing to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it and was a rock for his family.

In addition to his wife Sandra, he is survived by his father, Laurel E. Yarnell, Buffalo; a daughter and son-in-law, Boris and Shelia Bolder, Buffalo; a son and daughter-in-law, Clay and Julia Yarnell, Buffalo; two brothers, Raymond Yarnell and Ted Yarnell, Buffalo; and one sister, Kathy Stewart, Chanute.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

Cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 11 at the High Prairie United Methodist Church.

Memorials in his name may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Wilson County Rural Fire Department and may be left with the funeral home.

Penwell-Gabel Gibson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.