Billy Gene Cookson, son of the late Everett and Tincy Harris Cookson, was born in Puxico on May 12, 1934, and died at the Puxico Nursing and Rehab Center in Puxico on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, at the age of 72.

Mr. Cookson had lived in Puxico most of his life and was a graduate of the Puxico High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

Surviving are two sons, Robert Cookson of Dexter and Steven Cookson of Puxico; two grandsons; one brother, Lyman Cookson of St. Clair; one sister, Marvel Wheetley of Puxico. He was preceded in death by one brother, Dewain Cookson in 1981.

Visitation will be held after 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006, at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Puxico.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006, at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Puxico with Rev. Ray Placher of Puxico officiating.

Interment will follow in the Puxico Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Stoddard County Veterans Honor Team. Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Puxico is in charge of all arrangements.