NEOSHO, Mo. -- John A. Birner, 65, of Neosho died at 5:55 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, 2008, at his home following a lengthy illness.

He was born Feb. 11, 1943, in El Paso, Texas, to Augustine and Audra (Wilson) Birner.

He moved to Neosho Jan. 1, 1990, from Chanute. He had served in the National Guard and worked in construction.

He married Myrna Mitchell on Aug. 30, 1968, in Erie. She survives.

Other survivors include three children, Dhanna Birner of Wichita, John A. Birner of Ritchey, Mo., and Joe A. Birner of Sapulpa, Okla.; his mother, Audra Barnhardt of Neosho; and three grandchildren, Isabelle Birner, Jackson Birner and Heather Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his father.

The service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Clark Chapel of Memories with the Rev. Frank Ward officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, south of Neosho.

Friends may call at the funeral home from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Memorials may be made to Newton County Cancer Council, c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho, Mo., 64850.