Howell Leon Oglesby, 83, of Franklin County, MS, passed on Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Natchez Community Hospital in Natchez, MS. Visitation will be on Thursday, May 8, 2014 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Franklin Funeral Home in Meadville, MS. The graveside service will follow in the Providence Baptist Church Cemetery on Clear Springs Road in Franklin County. Bro. Johnny Wayne Dillon will officiate the services. Franklin Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Pallbearers are Kyle Oglesby, Daniel Oglesby, Ryan Ratcliff, Daniel Scherer, Andrew Kniphfer, and Milton Hall.

Mr. Oglesby was born October 7, 1930 in Meadville, MS to Frank and Myrtis Bedford Oglesby. He retired from International Paper Company in Natchez. He also proudly served his country and state in the United States Army and The Mississippi National Guard. He celebrated his 21st birthday on Heartbreak Ridge and returned from Korea an officer. He was again federalized during the Berlin Crisis. In 1966 he was promoted to Captain and Commanding Officer of the 367th Ordinance Company of the Mississippi National Guard. In 1972 he was transferred to the retired reserve. Our "Pa" was an excellent gardener and loved to share his produce with his family, friends, neighbors, The Natchez Stew Pot and The Natchez Children's Home. He was especially proud to share his tomatoes, watermelons and knowledge of gardening. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his grandsons. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a wonderful friend to have. Nothing was more important to him than his great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Myrtis Bedford Oglesby; and brother, Frank Oglesby.

Survivors are his wife of 63 years, Gearldean Stroud Oglesby; sons, Randy Oglesby and wife Dana of Tuscaloosa, AL, and Keith Oglesby and wife Tammy of Natchez, MS; daughter, Marsha Ratcliff and husband Roger of Meadville, MS; sisters, Eva Nell Milton and Hilda Rae Priest both of Meadville; brother, Bob Oglesby of Vicksburg, MS; grandchildren, Kyle Oglesby, Anna Oglesby Kniphfer and husband Andrew, Rose Ratcliff Scherer and husband Daniel, Ryan Ratcliff, Rachael Oglesby, and Daniel Oglesby and wife Tasha; great grandchildren, Noah Scherer, Sophie Scherer, London Scherer, Eli Oglesby, and Aubrey Oglesby; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Honorary Pallbearers are Bobby Anderson, Frank Roberts, George Ward, John Arnold, G. C. Roberts, W.C. McCurly and all of his other friends in the IP Powerhouse and in the garden.