Bernie Shaw Couevas

Bernie Shaw Couevas, Sr., age 80, passed away Thursday, August 10, 2017 in Ocean Springs, MS. He was born September 3, 1936 in New Orleans, LA to Elton Shaw Couevas, Sr. and Olivia Couevas. He enjoyed riding horses and going swimming. Bernie graduated from Marrero High School in Marrero, LA and attended college at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He received the Certificate of Achievement at the Pascagoula Refinery for Refinery Operator in January 1966. He worked for Chevron in Louisiana/Mississippi, Ingalls Shipyard, and retired from his personal businesses. He was also in the United States Navy. He was a member of the Fleur de Lis French Club, The Golden Age Club in Biloxi, MS, and the American Legion. Bernie is preceded in death by his parents, Elton Shaw Couevas, Sr. and Olivia Couevas; his grandson, Ricky Couevas; and his brothers, Quinten Couevas and Elton Shaw Couevas, Jr. Survivors include his wife of 63 wonderful years, Betty Couevas of Gautier, MS; his children, Bernie (Maria) Couevas, Jr. of Lafitte, LA, Kathy Couevas-Johnson (Glen), of Gautier, MS, and Ryan (Christy) Couevas, of D'Iberville, MS; his grandchildren, Nichole (Eric) McKerchie, Mindy (Paul) Drake, Shaw (Lydia) Couevas, Kelcey Brielle Couevas, and Brinleigh Olivia Couevas; his great-grandchildren, Gavin McKerchie, Payton McKerchie, and Shaw Couevas, Jr; his sister, Harriet Belsome; and many nieces, step-grandchildren, and one great step-grandchild. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Visitation will be held Friday, August 18, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., with a Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m., all at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church in Ocean Springs, MS. A reception will follow immediately after in the Church Hall. There will also be a visitation Saturday, August 26, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., with a Memorial Mass at 2:00 p.m., all at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Lafitte, LA. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.