NATCHEZ — Private memorial services for John Thomas “Red” McFarland Sr., 92, who died Saturday, March 6, 2010, in Belleville, Ill., will be Friday at Laird Funeral Home Union Street Chapel with the Rev. Roosevelt Henley officiating.

Burial will follow at the Natchez National Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at the funeral home.

Mr. McFarland was born Jan. 25, 1918, in Wilkinson County, the son of Wintress Leno and Blanche Lutisha Jarvis McFarland. He served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. Mr. McFarland was employed for a number of years as an over the road truck driver. He retired from St. Catherine Ready Mix Concrete Company at the age of 72.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Rose Ellen Knight McFarland; two sons, Joe Feltus McFarland and Albert McFarland; and four brothers, Willie Claiborne McFarland, Bernard Gordon McFarland, Feltus Leno McFarland and Luthus King McFarland.

Survivors include one son, John Thomas McFarland Jr. and wife, Mary, of Indianola; two daughters, Thelma Washington-Smith of California and Mary Ellen Singleton and husband, Milton, of Illinois; three brothers, Howard Anthony McFarland and wife, Geneva, Bennie Oliver McFarland and wife, Barbara, and David McFarland and wife, Oceal; three sisters, Thelma Ester Ruth Smith, Wintress Leona Henley and husband, the Rev. Roosevelt Henley and Willie Mae Brown, all of Baton Rouge; one brother-in-law, Joe Knight of Doloroso; four sisters-in-law, Ruby Williams and husband, Dan, of Natchez, Alberta McFarland, Betty McFarland and Shirley McFarland, all of Baton Rouge; 12 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.lairdfh.com.