Obituary for Colonel Lucius Alton Funchess Jr Colonel Lucius Alton Funchess, Jr. passed away peacefully on October 11, from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Born April 13, 1937, in Laurel, MS to Alton Funchess Sr. & Margaret Evans Funchess. Moving to Crystal Springs at a young age, Alton was an active, life-long member of the Crystal Springs United Methodist Church having served as trustee and member of the administrative council.
Graduating from Mississippi State University in 1959 with a degree in Petroleum Geology Alton was a member of the Famous Maroon Band and the Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity. In 1966, Alton and his wife Maxine purchased Casey’s Department Store on the middle of Main Street in Crystal Springs successfully operating this clothing store for over 42 years. Alton joined the Mississippi National Guard at age 19 and served in many capacities for 35 years attaining the rank of Colonel.
He always felt it an honor to serve his country. Alton loved playing golf, being treasurer of the Men’s Sunday School class, and yard work, taking great pride in having the “Yard of the Month” on numerous occasions, but his greatest joy was being Pop to his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Maxine.
His children having two sons; Steve Funchess & his wife Lynn of Fairhope, Alabama; Chris Cole & his wife Carolyn of Tupelo, MS and a daughter, Jill Bullard & her husband Brian of Brandon, MS Alton was also blessed with his grandchildren Cole Furlow & his girlfriend Laura Beth Lott of Jackson; Camie Cole & her boyfriend Will Nations of Starkville; Carrie Anne Cole of Baton Rouge, LA; and Carlie Funchess of Fairhope, AL. He is also survived by his step-grandchildren Candace, Noelle, and Dylan Bullard. Also brother, Ed Funchess of McComb and sister, Anelaine Morgan of Katy, TX and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be the members of the Cliff Thomas Businessmen’s Sunday School class. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Gideons International, or Crystal Springs United Methodist Church. The family would like to express a sincere thank you to the staff of C wing at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Jackson for the loving and compassionate care Alton received for the past two years.
Visitation will be 9am-11am Monday at Crystal Springs United Methodist Church. Services will be 11am Monday at Crystal Springs United Methodist Church with burial at Terry Cemetery. Stringer Family Funeral Home in Crystal Springs is handling arrangements.
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