John A. Birner, 65, Neosho, Mo., died Thursday, November 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 on 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, Wichita, John A. Birner, Ritchey, Mo., and Joe A. Birner, Sapulpa, Okla.; his mother, Audra Barnhardt, Neosho, Mo.; and three grandchildren, Isabelle Birner, Jackson Birner and Heather Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral will be 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. Arrangements under direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, Mo.

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

Contributions to Newton County Cancer Council, may be made in care of Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho, MO 64850.

Online condolences may be posted at www.clarkfuneralhomes.com.