Billy Jo Hunsinger

Mr. Hunsinger died Saturday, April 6, 2002, at his home. He was a lifelong resident of Lawrence.

He was born April 26, 1931, in Lawrence, the son of Albert and Lucy (Wright) Hunsinger.

Mr. Hunsinger was a longtime musician in the Lawrence community. He began playing guitar at age 9. During the week, his band, the Drifting Hobos, played live on radio stations in Lawrence, Atchison and Leavenworth. During the weekends, it performed at nightclubs and dance halls. From 1956 to 1964, he owned Billy Hunsinger Music Co. and then was the manager of Hal’s Steak House in the mid- to late 1960s. In the 1980s he formed the Lonesome Hobos, where he shared vocals and songwriting with Dalton Howard. He recorded two compact discs with the band.

He was a member of Mount Oread Aerie No. 309, F.O.E.

Survivors include a niece, Bobbi Kellum, Lecompton.

His longtime companion, Frances R. Moore, died in September 1993.

The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Warren-McElwain Mortuary.

The family suggests memorials to Billy Hunsinger Memorial Fund, sent in care of the mortuary.