Was first Benton Soldier in War--Largely attended.
The military funeral of Sgt. Maj. L. Stanley McCollum. 2d Bat. 130th. Inft., 33d., Sunday. was one of the most impressive of any held in Benton. Deceased was the first of the Benton soldiers to fall in action, was the soldier the local American Legion Post was named for and is likely the last to be returned from overseas. So the occasion of his funeral was something out of the ordinary. Mr.McCollum was the eldest son of Mr.and Mrs.S. D. McCollum. He was born in Benton
Oct.25, 1890 and was killed in the battle of Meuse-Agronne, at Septsarges Wood, France, Oct. 8, 1918, seventeen days before his 28th birthday. He was a brave, courageous soldier, honored and respected by all his comrades. The body remained at the residence of his parents after its
arrival on the C&EI train at 8 o'clock Saturday morning until 2 o'clock Sunday afternoon and
many friends of the family called to offer sympathy and condolence to the bereaved family.
Besides the parents, these survive--Miss Pearl, the sister and Herbert, the brother. Shortly
before 2 o'clock Sunday, members of the American Legion, headed by the band, went to the residence and accompanied the remains to the Christian Church where J. L. Means delivered a beautiful and sympathetic eulogy upon the deceased. He was followed by Lieut, Col. O.C. Smith
who spoke feelingly of his personal contact with the deceased. At the Masonic and Odd Fellows cemetery, The American Legion took charge of the services and gave Sgt. Maj. McCollum a true military burial. This part was impressive indeed and since it possibly marks the last burial of an overseas veteran killed in battle, it will long be reverently remembered.

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