JOSEPH BIRI

JACKSON -- Joseph Biri, 88, of Jackson, died Thursday, May 9, 1996, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Sept. 28, 1907, at Yount, son of Andrew and Anna Stortz Biri. He and Lola McLard were married Sept. 12, 1936. She died Jan. 21, 1978. He later married Odessa Kurre in November 1978.

Biri was a farm laborer many years, had worked at Loos Brothers Sawmill, and at Kasten Masonry from 1945 until retiring in 1970.

He was a member of First Baptist Church, and was the fourth oldest member of the International Teamsters Local.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Joe Biri of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Vonda Gossage of Cahokia, Ill.; a brother, Clarence Biri of Jackson; two sisters, Anna Leimer and Clara Miller of Jackson; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.

Friends may call at McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson from 6-8 p.m. Sunday.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bill Ellis officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.