JOHN COLSON

EAST PRAIRIE -- John Rufus Colson, 94, of East Prairie died of an extended illness Sunday, Aug. 2, 1998, at the East Prairie Nursing Center.

He was born Feb. 21, 1904, at Murray, Ky., son of William and Alice Falwell Colson.

He lived in Mississippi County most of his life. He was a retired carpenter and farmer. He was of the Baptist denomination.

He married Ruth Clementine Wilkinson on Sept. 24, 1921, at Paris, Tenn. She died May 24, 1995.

Survivors include four sons, Thomas Colson of Barlow, Ky., Joe Colson of Carmi, Ill., and Pat and Larry Colson, both of East Prairie; a daughter, Sudie Nell Whybark of Benton, Ky.; 19 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by two sons, a daughter, three sisters and six brothers.

Friends may call after 5 p.m. today at the Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Shelby Chapel.

Brother Mike Johnson will officiate. Burial will follow in the East Prairie Memorial Park Cemetery.