One of the most tragic happenings ever coming to this city was the untimely death of Rodney Mars, who drowned late last Wednesday afternoon in the Pascagoula River at Merrell, Miss., just north of Mobile. His body was not recovered until nine o'clock that night, after a search of several hours.

  Rodney in company with W. I. Luke of this place and Louis Luke of Union left here early Wednesday morning for a fishing trip on the coast, and had planned to spend several days there.

  At the time of the tragedy he was in a boat with another fisherman and was going to a spot in the river which was known to be a good place for fishing. He stepped out of the boat into what he thought was shallow water, and was caught in an undercurrent and swept from his feet. Being unable to swim, he sank and on coming to the surface was caught by his companion, but, he because of the swiftness of the water could not carry him to safety, and was compelled to give up the plan of rescue.

  The body was brought home Thursday morning by Spivey-Ross local undertakers, where it was carried to the home of his parents.

  William Rodney Mars, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Mars was born in the eastern part of this county thirty-five years ago, coming with his parents to this city when only a mere lad.

  He was educated in the local school, graduating from high school with the class of 1914. He then entered Beeson College, completing his course three years later. With a desire for a more complete education he attended Tulane University, New Orleans, and then took special training for one year at Columbia University, New York City.

  Well equipped from the standpoint of training and with an inherited love for the work, he returned to his home and entered actively into the mercantile business owned and operated by his father. At the time of his death he was head of the Dry Goods Department of Mars Bros. establishment.

  He was married in February, 1922 to Miss Lucille Glass of Yazoo City, who survives him. He is also survived by his father and mother, three brothers, Henry, Norman and Louis; one sister, Mrs. Weaver Bridges, Athens, Ga., and a devoted aunt, Miss Fannie James, who has made her home with his parents since his early childhood.

  Mr. Mars was a member of the Methodist Church, having served in the various capacities of his denomination. He was a Rotarian and also a Shriner.

  Philadelphia and Neshoba County have lost in the death of Rodney Mars one of its most prominent young men. He was known over the entire county and over a large section of the state, and to all he was known as a "Friend to Man."

  Funeral services were held from the M. E. Church Friday morning at 10 o'clock. Rev. W. B. Jones, pastor of the local church, Rev. B. L. Sutherland, pastor of the First Methodist Church, Meridian, Rev. J. A. Smith of the Capitol Street Methodist Church, Jackson, and Rev. J. E. Gray of Crystal Springs, officiated. Interment followed in the local cemetery.

  Spivey-Ross had charge of arrangements.

  Felton Grubbs, Rufus Peebles, Dewitt DeWeese, James Stribling, N. R. Gipson and Bill Myers were active pall bearers. Members of the Rotary club were honorary pall bearers.