Van Arthur Wilkes

The family of Mr. Van A. Wilkes will receive friends for a time of visitation on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home with a private family ceremony to follow. Robert Barham Family is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Van Arthur Wilkes, 80, of Meridian, MS, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026.

Van's occupation was sales and he is most known for his time as a salesman at Harry Mayer Clothiers. He also worked at Loeb's and at Ward's Furniture until they closed.

Van loved to tinker with most anything by taking it apart and trying to put it back together. He enjoyed playing and teaching others Chess.

He loved his family and cherished his time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his sons Jeffrey Van Wilkes and Justin Brian Wilkes, grandchildren; Logan Brianna Lovett (Kenneth), Havan Victoria Champion, Cloe' Grace Wilkes, and Peyton Claire Wilkes, three great-grandchildren, Ryder Lee Thompson, Marlee Jade Lovett, and Keegan Wayne Lovett, siblings, Ollie Gerald Wilkes (Martha) and Cathy Wilkes Ellis (Tootie), and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ollie and Virginia "Jimmie" Wilkes, and sister, Barbara "Bobbie" Goode.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the charity of your choice.