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Feb. 7, 1936 – May 15, 2015

NATCHEZ — Services for Howard Joseph Dees Jr., 79, of Natchez, who died Friday, May 15, 2015, at his residence, will be 11 a.m. today at St. Mary Basilica with the Rev. David O’Connor officiating.

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

Visitation will be at 10 a.m. until service time today at the church.

Mr. Dees was born on Feb. 7, 1936, in Natchez, the son of Howard Burl Dees and Conadell Dees.

He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting and fishing. Mr. Dees was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a member of St. Mary Basilica. He was happiest when surrounded by his family and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Willie Beth Dees; one brother, Pete Guido, one sister, Theresa Fields; and one granddaughter, Sarah Elizabeth Bunch.

Survivors include his wife, Diane Temple Dees; eight children, Diane Golden and husband, Chuck, Dink Love and wife, Kelly, Rosamond Dees, William Dees, Richard Love and wife, Dena, Liz Kisselburgh and husband, Robert, Margaret Parsons and husband, David, and Heather Crawford and husband, Steven; 18 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Lillian Herring and husband, Paul; one brother, Thomas Joseph Dees and wife, Wandra; and a number of special family members and friends.

Pallbearers will be James Ryan Dees, Matthew Martin Golden, Christopher Blake Little, Tanner Cortland Little, Robert McKirdy Kisselburgh and Steven Montgomery Crawford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent to laridfh.com.