J.B. "Bardo the Clown" Holdren Jr., 93, died Jan. 1, 2013, at his home in Hutchinson. He was born Dec. 7, 1919, in El Paso, Texas, the son of John Benjamin and Hope Esau Holdren.

He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1937, and attended Hutchinson Junior College. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II.

Bardo was a master craftsman, show painter, artist, carver, musician, and entertainer. Working for the Kansas State Fair for over 68 years, he was the official clown of the Kansas State Fair. He was still working fulltime making colorful and unique signage for the State Fair. His lifetime was filled with circus, carnival and fair experiences. He had worked for Fox Studios, Ringling Brothers Circus, Disney, and many state fairs. He had painted many side show banners including a show front for Sally Rand. He was a member of the Lysle Rishel American Legion Post #68, 40 et 8, and the Outdoor Amusement Business Association.

Bardo had one son, Jon "Bix" Holdren, who died in a motorcycle accident in 1979 at the age of 24. He was preceded in death by a brother, Bill, and a sister, Melba Patterson. Bardo had five nieces.

Memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday Jan. 10, 2013, at the Domestic Arts Building on the Kansas State Fairgrounds, 2000 North Poplar, with Pastor Matt Stafford presiding. Military honors conducted by the McConnell Air Force Base Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Fair, or the Hutchinson Animal Shelter, both in care of Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson. Friends may sign the book at Elliott's.