Warren “Papa” “Couv” Couvillion
Warren "Papa"
"Couv"
Couvillion, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away February 28, 2023 at age 82.
He is survived by his son Warren Jr. (Billy) and his wife Jill Couvillion, their children Warren, Jose, Katelyn, Jackson and great grandchild Easton Lee of San Antonio; his daughter Courtney, and her husband Andy Watson of Mccomb, MS; their children Blass, and his wife Haley of Memphis, TN; Brittany of Columbia, SC and Brandt of Jackson, MS; his brothers Alfred and his wife Lula; Jimmy and his wife Pat of Simmesport, LA; his sister Sandra Laundry of Zachery, LA, and hundreds of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, especially Mr. Fred Brown, all of whom he adored.
Warren was married to Marion Lucille Blass, with whom he celebrated 47 years of loving marriage, from February 8, 1964 until she passed away on September 29, 2009. Warren was born in Baton Rouge, LA, the son of T. Edward and Florence Dupont Couvillion and grew up in Simmesport, Louisiana. He played varsity basketball for Simmesport High School until graduating in 1958. Some of his fondest memories were of class reunions and functions which he attended annually until his death. (His graduating class decided they enjoyed seeing each other too much to hold reunions only once every five years.)
Warren obtained a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University and taught Vocational Agriculture. He went on to obtain a PHD. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Tennessee. He was a Professor of Agricultural Economics at Mississippi State University from 1971 until he retired in 2006. Dr. Couvillion's work with USAID brought him to places ranging from Costa Rica to Burkina Faso to Kathmandu.
After retiring, he traveled for pleasure with family, revisiting Costa Rica and numerous trips to Scotland, France and England, where he visited friends and attended Wimbledon. "Couv" was a fixture at MSU football, basketball, and especially baseball, where he supported the Bulldogs from Left Field Lounge, missing games only for events involving grandchildren. Anyone stopping by could enjoy his award-winning brisket, and other cookout staples ranging from hot-dogs to grilled day-old donuts, and always offering an appropriate beverage. As he cooked, he would regale listeners with "Couv's Rules for Food," the most important being, "If it doesn't have whipped cream on it, it should have garlic in it." Warren Couvillion, a constant volunteer, as well as, active in community organizations including the Starkville J.C'S, the MSU Ag Econ Club, the Starkville Country Club Board of Directors, and the St. Joseph Parish Council. He was a member of numerous social organizations including Hunt Club, Cotillion Dance Club, and the Krewe of Olympians. Wherever Warren was, he worked tirelessly to insure that children were supported by raising money, coaching and offering new experiences.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Florence Couvillion, his wife, Marion "Mike" Blass Couvillion, and brother, Dale Couvillion. Warren Couvillion was a friend to everyone he met, known for his hospitality and generosity. He had a tremendous passion for life and loved deeply. He especially enjoyed cooking for others, sports and traveling for work and pleasure. His pride for his children and grandchildren is what made him extra special. If you loved them, he loved you.
Warren's life will be celebrated with a visitation Friday, March 17, 2023 6:30 pm and a funeral Mass Saturday, March 18th at 11:30 am, both at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Starkville, MS. To Share an online condolence please visit www.hartmanjonesfuneralhome.com. 2023 at Limestone Health and Rehab facility in Athens Alabama. Gene retired from Borden/eagle brand foods after 42 years of dedicated service. Gene also served 16 years in the MS National Guard. He would often reminisce about being deployed to Oxford MS and being one of the guard troops that escorted James Meredith to his first classes integrating Ole Miss in 1962.
Gene was a huge MSU baseball fan. He considered the 2021 Diamond Dawgs National Championship a high point in his life and always saying that he was so glad he lived long enough to see that. Gene was also an avid fisherman and loved life on the Tenn Tom waterway. He enjoyed waterskiing, cooking out and spending time with his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley and Hester Davis Marsh; brothers, Bill Marsh, Pete Marsh, Ted Marsh, G.O. Marsh, Ralph Marsh and J.W. Marsh.
He is survived by his son, Chad Marsh; daughter Leslie Tribolet; four grandchildren, Austin Marsh, Shelby Marsh, Dylan Tribolet and Olivia Tribolet; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 10, 2023 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Welch Funeral Home in Starkville, MS, with the funeral service immediately following.
You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.