Joseph Border

Joseph Henry Border, Sr., 90, of Centralia passed away Thursday, February 25, 2021 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. He was born on May 24, 1930 the son of Frank and Lola (Atchison) Border in Odin. He married the love of his life, Ethel Ingram on October 23, 1948 in Centralia and she preceded him in death on October 5, 2016.

Survivors include his beloved family, son, Joseph Border, Jr. and his wife Linda of Centralia; daughters, Connie Lee and husband Paul of Centralia, and Jennifer Watkins of Nashville; precious grandchildren, Joseph Watkins, Nicholas Watkins, Misti Border-Wynn, and Crystal Kee; cherished great-grandchildren, Dana Watkins, Ocean Wynn, Andrew Wynn, Jarrid Kee, Ashton Dicter, Isabel Watkins, and Leah Watkins.

Along with his wife of 67 years, Ethel Border, Joseph was preceded in death by both his parents; sister, Flora Marie Guthrie; brothers, Otis Border, and Olen Border.

Mr. Border was a loyal employee of the BN Railroad working as a brakeman until his retirement. Joseph was generous with his time and loved to give back to his community. He was a lifetime member of the Centralia Masonic Lodge 201 and served as Worshipful Master 4 times. He was a member and former president of the Centralia Shrine Club, York Rite, and Order of Eastern Star. Joseph was also a faithful member of Central City Baptist Church. He absolutely loved animals and was especially proud of his fur babies, dogs, Lola and Player. Joseph had a wonderful sense of humor and liked to give others a reason to laugh. He was always thinking of others before himself and his generous spirit will continue in the words and actions of his family. Joseph’s kindness to all and gentle way of making everyone feel welcome will always be remembered. Joseph will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Joseph Border, Sr. with arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 1, 2021 at the Central City Baptist Church with Rev. Don Verhines officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in rural Sandoval. A visitation time to offer condolences to the family will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2021 at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home, where those in attendance will be asked to where a mask and the number of people in the funeral home at one time will be limited.  Masonic Rites will be held by Centralia Lodge 201, service at 5:00 p.m. with a Shriners walk through to follow. Memorials may be made in Joseph’s honor to Central City Baptist Church. Online condolences and memories of Joseph may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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