METROPOLIS, Ill. — John B. Tyson Jr., 96, of Metropolis died at 12:55 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at Metropolis Health Care & Rehabilitation Center.

Mr. Tyson was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church of Metropolis, where he served on the Deacon Board. He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army. He retired after 30 years of service from Tennessee Valley Authority, and was a part-time mail carrier.

He is survived by his wife, Mollie B. Tyson; three sons, Caster D. Tyson of Centralia, and Mike Tyson and Mitchal Tyson, both of Metropolis; three daughters, JoAnn Lay of Centralia, and Rosie Eskridge and Benita Reynolds, both of Metropolis; 18 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; one sister, Elner Walden of California; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one grandson, one great-grandson, six brothers, and five sisters. His parents were John B. Tyson Sr. and Elizabeth Duffy.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013, at First Missionary Baptist Church in Metropolis with the Revs. Jackie Meadows and Edward Ballard officiating. Burial will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 18, 2013, at Mound City National Cemetery in Mound City.

Friends may call after 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.