ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA. Obituary for: WILSON, JOSEPH VANDORN "VAN", JR. Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. Source: E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Covington, La. Died: Friday, March 3, 2017 ======================================================================= Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgenweb.org/volunteers/copyright.shtml ======================================================================= WILSON, JOSEPH VANDORN "VAN", JR. February 13, 1924 - March 3, 2017 ========== A photo is available for this file. Please go to http://usgwarchives.net/la/sttammany/obits/dateobits/2017/st1703.htm and click to view list of photos. ========== Joseph Vandorn “Van” Wilson, Jr., was known to God, friends and family as “Faithful One.” He relocated to Heaven from Covington, LA to be with his Lord Jesus Christ and loved ones on Friday, March 3, 2017. Van was born on February 13, 1924 in Lula, MS to the late Joseph Vandorn Wilson, Sr. and Lottie Jackson Wilson. Van was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Bernyce "Bee" Nelson Wilson. Their remarkable marriage was founded on faith and in it demonstrated their commitment and God-given gifts. Van inspired many with his unwavering dedication to caring for Bee during her decades’ long struggle with Alzheimer’s. Van was the loving father of Joseph V. “Joey” Wilson, III (Susan), and Stephen A. Wilson (Claire). He was the proud grandfather of Rachel Wilson Dube (Dennis), Andrew Wilson (Brooke), Abi Wilson Guastello (Ted), Blake Wilson, Grace Wilson, and preceded in death by Ensign Van Andrew Wilson. As a great-grandfather, he dearly loved Emma and Henry Dube, Caleb, Lucy and Joshua Wilson and Michael Vrlicak Wilson. Van was the brother of Thurston Wilson and Ann Wilson Cuniff and was predeceased by his sister, Frances Wilson. Among Van’s character traits were kindness, gentleness, humility, wisdom, and generosity. His prayer life was consistent and powerful. He intentionally and compassionately interacted with people as he graciously put his faith in action. Van was a member of the “Greatest Generation.” He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and after Officer Candidate School became a 2nd Lt. in the Corps of Engineers. He remained in the Reserves after the war and served in the Judge Advocate General Corps as a 1st Lt. until 1953. Van distinguished himself in a 30+ year career as an attorney and landman with Chevron ascending to significant managerial roles and positions. Those who knew him well witnessed his love of hunting, singing, golf, and table tennis (even at 92). He was an avid Ole Miss fan. Van served as a Deacon and Elder in several Presbyterian churches and was a founding member of Faith Presbyterian Church. During his lifetime, he publicly served in a variety of professional, community and charitable organizations and privately was a source of great support and encouragement to many individuals and Christian ministries. Relatives and friends are invited to Van’s Funeral Service at Faith Presbyterian Church, 16330 Highway 1085, Covington, LA 70433 on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 2:00 PM with visitation from 12:30 PM until service time. Interment will be at Theodore Dendinger Cemetery, Madisonville, LA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Faith Presbyterian Church, 16330 Highway 1085, Covington, LA 70433. The family wishes to express deep gratitude to the hundreds of hands and hearts that ministered and cared for Van in his last month of earthly life. The staffs of St. Tammany Parish Hospital, St. Tammany Hospital Hospice and Christwood Assisted Living offered compassionate and attentive support for Van and the family. The family is also grateful for the many people who supported, visited, encouraged and prayed in challenging circumstances. US Army ===================