Austin Bryant Vail

Austin Bryant Vail, 91, of Poplar Bluff formerly of Oxford, Miss., died Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2009 at Cedargate Care Center in Poplar Bluff.

Mr. Vail was born Sept. 25, 1917, in Banks, Ark. to the late Jesse and Alma (Strickland) Vail. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff, and had retired as a salesman for a major shoe and clothing store. Mr. Vail was a veteran of the U. S. Marines having served during World War II in Wellington, New Zealand, and participated in the capture and defense of Guadalcanal, B.S.I. He enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening and fishing.

On June 6, 1960 he married Mary Lou Ring, in Dallas, Tex. She survives.

Other survivors include his son, Dr. William Vail and wife Susan, of Poplar Bluff; two grandchildren: Robert Vail and wife Coy, of Tupelo, Miss. and Melissa Vail, of Poplar Bluff; a sister, Lola Mae Jones, of Warren, Ark.; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. Friday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will follow at 1:30 p.m. in the Chapel with his son, Dr. William Vail officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at 3:00 p.m. Thursday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, in Bloomfield.