Chester H. "Junior" Shorter, Jr. 60, of rural Winfield, Kansas, passed away Wednesday evening, January 16, 2008 at his home.

Born on February 13, 1947 in Winfield, Kansas, he was the son of Chester "Harold" Shorter and Nellie J. (Hanna) Shorter. He was raised and attended school in Dexter where he was an outstanding basketball and baseball player. Throughout his high school years he served as Council Representative for the Dexter 4-H Club. He exhibited his beef and horse 4-H projects at the three Cowley County Fairs as well as the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson.

He graduated from Dexter High School in 1965, and graduated from Cowley County Community College with an Associates Degree.

He married Janet M. Nellis at the Dexter Christian Church on September 17, 1966. The couple lived in rural Dexter where Junior farmed, ranched and they raised their children. He enjoyed attending his children's sporting events, and traveling the midwest looking for show cattle and attending cattle shows. In 1996, the couple moved to rural Winfield where Junior continued to ranch.

He was a member of the Bible Christian Church. He was also a member of the Dexter School Board where he served as President for a number of years. He was on the Valley Coop Board, the Caney Valley Rural Electric Board and was an active leader in the Cowley County 4-H programs. He served as Beef Superintendent for the Cowley County Fair and began the Beef Booster Fund to assist 4-Hers in the market beef project. His love for cattle and 4-Hers led him to organize the Cowley County Classic Steer and Heifer Show in 1986. In 2005, Junior was awarded the appreciation award from the Kansas Cooperative Extension Program of Cowley County.

His family includes:
His Wife: Janet M. Shorter of the home;
His son: Clinton Shorter of Dexter;
His daughter: Angela Smith and husband Kevin of Yukon, OK;
His sister: Linda Keasling and husband Marvin of Arkansas City;
His grandson: Cale Shorter;
His mother-in-law: Freda Nellis, of Arkansas City;
His brother-in-law: Norman Nellis and wife Nancy of Topeka;
His sister-in-law: Virginia Hensley and husband Steve of Arkansas City; and
His 7 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his father-in-law, Paul Nellis.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at Bible Christian Church located at 2411 N. 8th St in Arkansas City. Interment will follow at Dexter Cemetery. Friends may call at Miles Funeral Service on Friday from 5:00 to 9:00 P.M. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Online condolences may be made at www.milesfuneralservice.com.

A memorial has been established in Mr. Shorter's name for Cookson Hills Christian Ministries 4-Him Program (4-H). Contributions may be made through the funeral home.