Qua Austin, 72, Columbus. Tireless community activist, volunteer and advocate for Columbus, especially committed to the eduction of the children (Demonstration School, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, special needs programs), the local arts scene (Suzuki Strings), and crime prevention (Neighborhood Watch).

Edward “Buster” Beneke, 82, Columbus. Born in Columbus, Beneke spent his early working career in Toronto, New York and Washington, D.C., before returning to Columbus to continue his career in the family-owned business. A former Marine sharpshooter, he was known for his uncanny ability to repair, build and drive anything while teaching others what seemed to come to him instinctively.

Charlie Box, 84, Columbus. A Columbus councilman who served three terms between 2009 and 2021. Born in Morgan City, Box moved to Columbus from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, as a teenager, becoming a multi-sport athlete at Lee High School before starring in football at East Mississippi Community College. He served with the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam and was a respected businessman and volunteer coach for youth sports for two decades. He served 13 years as executive director for the Frank P. Phillips YMCA before running for public office.

Bill Darnell, 72, Caledonia. A descendent of one of the founding families of Caledonia, he served 34 years on the town’s board of aldermen and collected and contributed to a book about the history of the town – “One Light City.” Husband of current Caledonia Mayor Betty Darnell.

Bill Gavin, 74, Columbus. Lifelong Columbus resident who served three terms on the Columbus City Council. Known as an educator at East Mississippi Community College and Mississippi State, he was also well-known as a disc jockey, entertaining at parties and events throughout the Golden Triangle.

Cherie Labat, 48, Columbus. Dynamic educator who came to Columbus from her hometown of Pass Christian to become superintendent of the Columbus Municipal School District (2018-2022), laying the foundation for improved academics that followed her tenure.

Mirko Marweg, 58, New Hope. Born in Germany, Marweg moved to New Hope as a child and was known as a happy and friendly kid. Was one of two Delta Airlines maintenance mechanics who died early on the morning of Aug. 27 morning near the Atlanta airport when a tire that was being disassembled exploded. Was a devoted fan of Mississippi State Athletics.

Jasper Pittman, 51, West Point. First elected as Ward 5 selectman in 2007, Pittman devoted his life to serving the community, not only through his 17 years in city government but throughout the community where he was known for his enthusiasm, curiosity and determination to move West Point forward.

Scott Pridmore, 62, Columbus. His infectious good humor and enthusiasm for life made him a success in business as vice president and sales director of Mid-South Signs, but carried over into his free time as devoted husband and father, exuberant drummer in local bands dating to his teen years and his passion for being on the water, teaching scores of kids how to water ski at Smith Lake.

Mona Sanders, 76, Columbus. A Meridian native, Sanders came to Columbus to study at Mississippi University for Women and never left her adopted hometown. She taught science at Hunt Junior High School in Columbus, where on numerous occasions Columbus Municipal schools elected her teacher of the year. After she retired to focus on her family, she occasionally worked as a substitute science teacher at MSMS and Columbus public schools. She was a member of the Northaven Woods Garden Club and a lifetime member of the Junior Auxiliary.

Tom (77) and Linda, (74) Segrest, Columbus. Tom practiced law in Columbus for 40 years while Linda taught music and piano at MUW for 30 years. They were active in their church and community, but the couple is best known for romance that lasted almost 55 years and seemed to come directly from the script of a romance novel. Separated in death, they were quickly reunited, passing away within 17 days of each other during the summer.

Joseph St. John, 62, Columbus. Served as Columbus Police Chief (2007-2011), the affable St. John worked his way through the ranks to become chief. St. John later founded a variety of businesses after his stint at police chief, including a weekly newspaper called The Real Story where St. John used his contacts with law enforcement to follow up on tips on local crimes.

Chris Taylor, 69, Starkville. An Oktibbeha County native who returned home after a 31-year career in the U.S. Army to serve his community, Taylor, noted for his enthusiasm and energy, immediately joined the local NAACP, serving Taylor was a member of the organization the rest of his life, serving as the local chapter president for seven years (2012-2019). In addition to his service with the NAACP, Taylor also served on the board of Starkville’s Bridges Out of Poverty as well as a committee member of Unity Park, established to honor those in the community who played significant roles in civil rights.