NATCHEZ — Services for Champion Merle Wilbourn, 90, of Natchez, who died Friday, March 6, 2009, at Promise Hospital in Ferriday, will be at 3 p.m. Monday at Laird Funeral Home Union Street Chapel with Dr. John Larson officiating.
Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday and from 2 p.m. until service time Monday, both at the funeral home.
Mr. Wilbourn was born Feb. 20, 1919, in Magnolia, Ark., the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ira Wilbourn. He was a graduate of Mississippi State University, where he was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Following graduation from college, Mr. Wilbourn joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and became a flight instructor, attaining the rank of major. He served at various air bases in the United States and in Germany. He was in the insurance business for many years before his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant sister; and one grandson, Garland Michael Lyell.
Survivors include one daughter, Dr. Linda Wilbourn of Natchez; one son, Richard Wilbourn and wife, Zonta Matzke, both of Houston, Texas; one brother, Gerald Wilbourn of Kentucky; and one nephew, Michael Wilbourn of Kansas City, Mo.
Pallbearers will be Dr. Peter Bundgard, John Bergeron and Wayne Bryant, all of Natchez, Jay Barrier, Bill Henley, Roy Wilkinson and Ross R. Barnett Jr., all of Jackson, and Les Wisinger of New Orleans.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lairdfh.com.