Lt. Col. Thomas B. Monsour (Ret.) was born Sept. 22, 1917, in Meridian, and passed away May 29, 2015, at the age of 97 at Heritage House Nursing Center in Vicksburg.

He was a graduate of Meridian High School, where he was a five-letterman. He was working for his uncle in Shreveport, La., when he received his “greetings” from President Franklin D. Roosevelt — “We want you.” This was just one month prior to Pearl Harbor.

He served his country from Nov. 1941 – Sept. 1, 1962. During World War II, he served in the Philippines, receiving several medals including The Bronze and Silver stars for his actions in protecting his men and defeating the enemy.

At the end of the war, he chose to rotate back to the United States and was assigned to Fort Benning, Ga.

In 1949, he went overseas once again, this time to Japan and was located approximately 100 air miles from North Korea. On June 30, 1950, the North Koreans invaded South Korea and the U.S. was again at war. For his heroic achievement in Korea, he was awarded several medals including the Bronze and Silver stars. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel during this time.

Following Korea, “The Colonel” served in the occupation army in Austria before returning to the U.S., first to Fort Sill, Okla., then to Fort Benning. He served as army adviser to the Alabama Reserve and his last assignment was army adviser to the National Guard in Charlotte, N.C., a post he kept until his retirement.

He is survived by three sons, Ronnie Monsour (Wendy) of Vicksburg, Freddy Monsour (Donna) of Brandon and David Monsour (Darlene) of Meridian.

He is also survived by four granddaughters, Sheri Wescott (Toby) of Vicksburg, Jamie Hall (Justin) of Holly Springs, Kristin Monsour of Madison and Kayla Monsour of Meridian; one grandson, Chris Monsour of Ridgeland; three great-granddaughters, Kayden and Kelli Brooke Wescott of Vicksburg and Elizabeth Hall of Holly Springs; and special friends, Percy and Barbara Worley of Vicksburg.

He was preceded in death by one son, Tommy Monsour Jr. of Meridian; and his parents, Ellis and Lizzie Monsour of Meridian. He was the last surviving member of his four brothers and sisters, Abe, George, Fredna and Christine.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 2, 2015, at Riles Funeral Home in Vicksburg from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at Meridian Memorial Gardens (Highway 80 West) in Meridian, where he will be buried with full Military Honors.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children – Shreveport (www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/locations/shreveport).

The Monsour family would like to extend our thanks to his many caregivers at Merit Health River Region Hospital, Promise Hospital, and especially the Heritage House Nursing Center, and also a special thanks to Dr. George Abraham M.D. for the care and compassion he gave our dad.