John Albert Massa, 84, of Lamar died Sept. 1, 2025, at his home. Mr. Massa began his working career at St. Joe Lead in Herculaneum and worked his way up to chemist lab supervisor. In 1991, he and his wife moved to Lamar, where he found his knack for mending fences and feeding cattle on the farm he shared with his son, Russ, and his family. He retired from cattle farming shortly after his wife’s death in 2012 and then spent most of his time watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues. He was instrumental in founding the Little League organization in Herculaneum, knowing his boys would enjoy many hours and years at the ball field. While his sons were of age, he enjoyed taking them camping in Northern Minnesota every year, along with his brother-in-law, John McKee. Born July 5, 1941, in Cape Girardeau, he was the son of the late Arlo John Massa and Alberta Marie (Tilley) Cole. He was the stepson of the late Henry Cole.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years: Joan Marie Hardwick Massa, whom he married on Oct. 17, 1958, in Cape Girardeau.
He is survived by three sons: Russ (Denny) Massa of Lamar, Forest Massa of Lamar and Kurtis (Angie) Massa of Festus; nine grandchildren: Amber (Rick) Faber, Danielle Massa, Jacob (Taylor) Massa, Megan (Devin Wolf) Massa, Lauren (Tyler) Grandbouche, Blaine Massa, Allie (Clay) Runnels, Makensy (Isaac) Schmidgall and Dylan (Nicole) Massa; and 18 great-grandchildren.
He also was preceded in death by two sisters: Sherry Reed and Jeanne Squailia.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until services at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at Daniel Funeral Home, 1201 Broadway St., in Lamar. Burial will follow in Iantha Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Iantha Community Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Daniel Funeral Home.