Obituary Record

The death of Rufus R. Perkins, occurred on Friday of last week, December 10, 1915.

To Bay St. Louis and Hancock county the loss is irreparable. He was ever a factor in the development and building of the city and county, a man whose principles and abilities were ever for the constructive. He was truly a builder in the sense of the word---a builder of better and bigger things. By his industry and business acumen he had accumulated a goodly portion of this world's goods, but with these he was not selfish. Many are the people who will attest to his benefactions.

He dispensed with an open heart and free hand. His charities were carried on in an extensive plan, though always quietly and unknown when possible. One of his last acts was to deed away a lot for a new Catholic Church at Fenton. His acts of kindness to the poor and the sick are many. These indeed have well paved his way to a higher and fitting reward.

Mr. Perkins had been a sick man for quite a while-yet always cheerful and no one was ever made to feel the burden of his illness. He had the biggest trust in mankind; ever hopeful his life was indeed an inspiration to those who knew him.

He had gone away this summer for treatment, consulted different specialists and exhausted every effort that it was thought would render him the results sought. The last two months he was confined most of the time to his room. [...cut off...] The directors of the Merchants Bank, Bay St. Louis, sent a cross five feet in height, mounted on a wide base, fashioned of roses and callalillies, with cross center of pink rose buds.

Another beautiful testimony of love and regret came from W. J. Gex, attached to which was a card with these works, "To my dearest and best friend." Funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. A. B. Meigs, of Main St. Methodist Church.

Members of the local Masonic lodge were stationed on the outside, and between the two lines of members of this fraternity. The casket was carried to the funeral car.

The active pallbearers were: W. J. L. Engle, W.J. Gex, J. H. Long, A.Vizard, H. H. Gordon, A. B. Marston, Adam Lorch, T. M. Liechtenstein.

The Honorary Pall bearers were G. F. Mason, W. B. Gilliean, E. A. MccKoy, W. A. McDonald, J. L. Barnes, F. W. Ivy, M. P. Bouslog, W. H. Bouslog, Nat Owen J. S. Greene. Representing the Merchants Bank: J. A. Breath, John K. Edwards, George H. Edwards, A. A. Kergosien, L. M. Ger, J. O. Mauffray, G. Moreau, John Osoinach, C. H. Robinson, Jr., A. L. Stokoe, George R. Rea, George J. Muller.

Interment was at Cedar Rest Cemetery, in a plot on the ground facing Second St., and near Woodmen Hall; one of the choicest spots that could have been selected. The burial was under the auspices of the Masons. The rites were impressive and beautiful.

Many friends gathered around the grave, and stout-hearted and stalwart men were seen in tears. No man in a community has ever gone to the grave more honored.

Source: Sea Coast Echo