BRANDON, MS – On March 24, 2026, Van Wesley Covington, Sr., ascended to heaven to be with our loving Savior.

Van was born in Ruston, Louisiana, on March 7, 1943. He graduated from Ruston High School in May 1961, where he excelled in football and was chosen Most Handsome his sophomore year. He graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Forestry in January 1966. Van married the love of his life, Judy Gwen Tucker, on September 1, 1963. After they both graduated, Van briefly worked for International Paper Company in Kosciusko, MS, but it was shortly after this move that he was drafted into the army. He was stationed for two years in Killen, TX at Fort Hood. After he served his country, he returned to work for International Paper, moved to Brandon, MS in 1975, and enjoyed a career at I.P. as a forester that spanned over 30 years.

Van was the strong, silent type, except when he wanted to humor the room. He knew how to twist a story into a comical one. His infamous “yeah boy” phrase was his neutral go-to remark for any conversation. His sometimes-reserved nature melted away when he spent time with his grandkids. Whether taking them to Sonic or just going for a drive, Van found joy in making his grandkids laugh (bonus points if anyone can recite his daily Sonic order). Van had a great love for the outdoors. He easily identified tree species by their bark or leaves. He taught his sons all that he knew about hunting and fishing. His fondest place to travel was the Smoky Mountains, as he visited the range frequently over the years and filmed endless footage of the mountains. Another one of his fascinations included reading about history and watching war-related documentaries.

Van and Judy were long-time members of First Baptist Church in Brandon for over 50 years. Van served as a volunteer in many areas of the church, including the church library and the preschool section.

Van is survived by his children Wes Covington and wife Renee of Pearl, MS, Curtis Covington and wife Doina of Pearl, MS, and Kim Covington Core and husband David of Ponchatoula, LA. He is also survived by his grandchildren Ashley Covington, Jennifer Covington, Logan Covington, Shelby Core, and Curtis Core. He is also survived by brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Jeffrey L. Tucker and wife Donna, Cary W. Vercher and wife Rita, and Mary Lou Covington.

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard Marvin and Pauline Payton Covington, his brothers Payton and Paul Covington, his wife Judy Tucker Covington, and sister-in-law K. Duplechain.

The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the hardworking staff at Chateau Pines in Brandon for the excellent care they provided for Van. He appreciated their continued efforts to make him feel at home in their facility.

Visitation will be held at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS at 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Saturday, March 28, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM that same day. Interment will be held at Crestview Memorial Gardens in Brandon following the services.

“Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.” -Proverbs 16:3

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