GIRARD — Joe Masser, 104, of Girard, formally of Cherokee, died at 5:55 a.m. Thursday, July 7, 2011, at his home following a short illness.

He was born on Sept. 2, 1906, in Kirkwood to Josef and Eloise (Kugerl) Masser. He was a lifelong resident of the area and attended Fleming and Coal Valley schools.

Joe was a farmer for most of his life.

On Dec. 16, 1934, he married Verna Mae McClure in Kansas City, Kan. She preceded him in death on Aug. 26, 1981.

He later married Dora (Matsin) Kelley on Nov. 3, 1982, in Cherokee. She survives of the home.

Joe was a member of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Girard and a former member of United Methodist Church in Cherokee. He was a member of the Senior Citizens Dance Group in Columbus, a bowling league in Girard and the Monday Morning Coffee Bowling League in Pittsburg. He enjoyed gardening, sewing and woodworking.

Survivors include his wife; a brother, Peter Masser of Girard; a son-in-law and daughter-in-law, Jerry Harlan and Julie-Anne Harlan; grandchildren, Jeff Harlan and his wife, Lori, Joe Borden and his wife, Kelly, Jon Harlan, Debbie Borden, James Harlan, Bill Borden and his wife, Tina, Jeremy Harlan and his wife, Nikia, and Ben Borden and his wife, Lou; 13 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two nephews, Francis J. Strasser and Herman Masser; a niece, Margaret Shepherd and her husband, Charles; three great-nephews; two great-nieces; a great-great-nephew; and six great-great-nieces.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Verna Mae Masser; a brother, Herman L. Masser; a sister, Elizabeth Strasser; a stepson, Bill Borden; and a stepdaughter, Karen Harlan.

The service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at Bath-Naylor Funeral Home in Pittsburg with Pastor Doug Amend officiating. Burial will follow at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Pittsburg. Family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home in Pittsburg. Friends may call after 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to First Christian Church Disciples of Christ and may be dropped off at or mailed to the funeral home, 522 S. Broadway, Pittsburg, 66762.

Online condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com.