The Neshoba Democrat
February 24, 1950

DR. WM. H. MARS
MEMBER PROMINENT FAMILY, PASSES

Dr. William Henry Mars, one of Neshoba county's most prominent citizens and philantropists, passed away at the family home on Holland Avenue Tuesday morning after a prolonged illness. Dr. Mars was 83 years of age and a native of the county.

The son of the late James Henry Mars and Mrs. Martha Jane DeWeese Mars, Dr. Mars was born in the Custustha community. Attending the rural schools of his community, he later attended Cooper's Institute at Daleville. With a desire to enter the field of medicine the young man entered Vanderbilt University, Nashville, where he graduated in 1890.

For many years Dr. Mars was one of the outstanding physicians of Neshoba county, practicing both in his native community and later in this city.

Following his graduation from Vanderbilt, Dr. Mars in addition to his professional duties, formed a mercantile partnership with his late brother, George W. Mars, which existed until 1920 when he disposed of his interest to his brother and family. From a small beginning in the Custusha community, coming to this city in 1905, the business grew until today Mars Bros. is one of the largest firms in east Mississippi.

Dr. Mars was a member of the First Methodist church and a life long member of the Board of Stewards. He was one of the churches' strongest supporters and had always taken an active interest in the affairs of his denomination.

Interested in the farming interests of the county, through the years, Dr. Mars acquired vast holdings in Neshoba, Kemper, and Winston counties and was one of the largest land owners in this section of the state. He also owned considerable property in the city of Philadelphia.

Dr. Mars was known for and wide for his philanhopic acts. He was the last living member of the original Board of Directors of the Citizens Bank. He was preceeded in death a number of years ago by his wife, Mrs. Florence Latimer Mars. Two sons, prominent Philadelphia attorneys, Adam Mars and James M. Mars, also preceeded their father in death.

Dr. Mars is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Martha Mars Dees, a son, William F. Mars, and three grandchildren, Florence Mars and Mont and Martha Latimer Mars. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. H. L. Austin and Miss Ida Sue Mars of Jackson and a number of nephews and neices, including Henry Mars Norman C. Mars and Mrs. John E. Land, this city.

Dr. Mars is survived by his daughter, Mrs. Martha Mars Dees, a son, William F. Mars, and three grandchildren, Florence Mars and Mont and Martha Latimer Mars. He is also survived by two sisters, Mrs. H. L. Austin and Miss Ida Sue Mars of Jackson and a number of nephews and neices, including Henry Mars Norman C. Mars and Mrs. John E. Land, this city.

Funeral services were held Wednesday morning from the First Methodist church, with the pastor, Rev. John L. Neill, officiating. During the entire service, soft music was rendered by the organist, Mrs. Porter Jordon, with the choir singing "How Firm A Foundation."

Interment was in Cedarlawn cemetery.

Pall bearers were nephews of Dr. Mars, including, Norman C. Mars, Hugh Latimer, Bruce Latimer, and Leo Taylor, all of this city; Robert Ross, Hattiesburg; Earl Sansing, Stringer, Galloway Austin, Jackson.