E. L. "Van" Van Every, 82, died Thursday, November 29, 2007, at Hospice Ministries, Ridgeland, Mississippi. Mark Seepe Funeral Directors & Crematorium in Jackson, Mississippi is handling the arrangements.

Ed Van Every, 82, completed his journey on this earth Thursday, November 29, 2007. He joined his saviour and his beloved wife Lois after a lengthy illness.

Van as he was known to all, was a retired automobile dealer from Jackson. Van and his family moved from Metairie, La. He opened Van Every Ford in 1967 and retired from that business in 1975 after a lifetime career with Ford Motor company. Van and Lois moved to Naples, Fla., after selling the dealership. Van had many passions that included family, fishing and selling of Ford brand cars and trucks. The advertisement slogan was "I got a Van-Size deal at Van Every Ford." "Everything Dad did was Van-Size" said son Rick, "whether it was selling cars, cooking or taking friends and family fishing." Daughter Linda said, "Dad did everything he loved and he loved everything he did. I've got a feeling Dad is already planning a huge fish fry in heaven as he did many times for his employees at the dealership." added son, Steve. "We've had so many calls from what would be called competitors of our Dad. What a credit to the Automobile Dealers in Jackson to be a competitor but at the end of the day still just be family."

Survivors include: brother, Bob and wife, Jeanette Van Every, of Detroit, Mich.; daughter, Linda and husband, Jim Patterson and grandson, Brad Brown and granddaughter, Jennifer Patterson of Brandon; son, Steve and wife, Johna Van Every, and granddaughter, Stephanie and Casey Van Every of Madison; son, Rick and wife, Barbara Van Every and granddaughter, Brittany Van Every of Midland, Texas.  Preceded in death by: his parents; son, Robert; wife Lois; and brother Jim.

The family wished to acknowledge the Hospice Ministries of Ridgeland for all of there help during this time.

In lieu of flowers, It was Van’s wishes that all memorials be made to the Hospice Ministries or the charity of your choice.

Published in the Clarion Ledger on 12/3/2007.