Funeral services will be held this afternoon for Robert Gaston Bozeman, 77, who died early Wednesday morning, October 16, in a local hospital after a lengthy illness. Services will be from Cope Chapel at 2 o'clock with Dr. Sam Grenade and the Rev. Jack Williamson officiating. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery, Cope Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Bozeman was a native of Covington County, growing up on a farm near Gantt. He attended Troy Normal (now Troy State University) and the University of Alabama and taught school for several years before coming here in 1923 as principal of Evergreen City School.

He became editor and publisher of The Courant in 1926 and operated this newspaper until his retirement in 1957. Widely respected in the journalistic field, Mr. Bozeman served three years as president of the Alabama Press Association, the only man so honored.

A veteran of World War I, he was a useful citizen who served his community and county in many ways. He served a number of years on the County Board of Education and was chairman of it. He also was a member of the Evergreen City Council. He was one of a number of citizens instrumental in founding the Conecuh County Hospital and served as secretary of its executive board for a number of years.

Mr. Bozeman was a devoted member of the Evergreen Baptist Church and served in many positions of responsibility including chairman of the board of deacons and the finance committee and superintendent of the Sunday School.

He married the late Susan Dickey who died in 1940.

Survivors include three sons, all editors of weekly newspapers: Robert G. Bozeman, Jr., Evergreen, Clyde Dickey Bozeman, Bulter, Pace Wells Bozeman, Thomasville; two daughters, Mrs. Bettysu Brittain, Charlotte, N.C. and Mrs. Susan Cook, Butler; and 15 grandchildren.