Joe 0. Hirt, 88, of Monticello died Tuesday, December 31, 2002 at his residence.

He was born on June 5, 1914, in Logansport to Benjamin and Lottie Anna Oberlin Hirt. He married Violet Marion on March 29, 1936, at the Church of the Brethren in Buffalo. She survives.

He lived in Monticello for 62 years coming from Beaver Township in Pulaski County. He was in the first class to graduate from Buffalo High School in 1933. He was a member of the Church of the Brethren for over 70 years, and served as a deacon.

He enjoyed collecting arrowheads and playing pool. He enjoyed ice-skating and would skate from Buffalo to Norway Dam in his younger years.

He farmed, worked at HicksGas and Carter Block and was employed by Purdue University for 20 years. After retiring from Purdue, he worked at Indiana Beach during the summer months for 19 years.

Surviving with his wife are a "special son" Lewis "Sonny" (Bev) Funk of Monticello; sisters, Ruth (Cliff) Rickleff Crutchfield-Malin of New Whiteland, and Lois (William) Lister of New Smyrna Beach, Fl.; five grandchildren; 11 great grand-children; one great-great-grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A brother, Paul Hirt, and sister Mary Christenberry are deceased.

Funeral services were Saturday at Miller-Roscka Funeral Home with Rev. John Mishler and Rev. James Bretzinger officiating.

Burial was in Buffalo Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Buffalo Church of the Brethren, Salvation Army or the Gideons.