Bernard Van Zandt (Barney Bernard), Lt. Col, USAF, Retired 92, beloved husband, father, and brother, passed away peacefully at Seagrass Village on February 9, 2026. He was born in Florence, Mississippi near Jackson to Barney and Lola Maude.
He joined Army ROTC in college and chose to apply to the Cadet program as a pilot through the Mississippi Air National Guard. As a pilot, he graduated in United States Air Force Class 54-B as a Second Lieutenant. Bernard married Worth in October 1954 and he re-enrolled at USM.
Bernard graduated from Central High School in Jackson, Mississippi in 1951 and University of Southern Mississippi in 1957 and received a bachelor’s degree with a double major in Business and Psychology. The family spent many of their early years in the Kansas City Suburbs before moving to Memphis, Tennessee.
Most of his working life was spent at Trans World Airlines as a pilot, where he retired as Captain in 1993. His military career ended in the late 1970’s following his service as a Lt. Colonel and Command Pilot in his role as Flight Commander in C-130 aircraft in a U.S.A.F. Reserve unit. He and his oldest son, Mims, served together in the 442nd Tactical Airlift Wing during the C-130 era. His favorite aircraft was notably the P-51 which he was assigned to in the late 1950’s with the Mississippi ANG at Meridian.
He and Worth retired first to Point Clear, Alabama and lived a couple of blocks from The Grand Hotel. After several years in the area, their next adventure led them to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico for about five years. They returned to Fairhope, Alabama in the early 2000’s.
Bernard’s time was spent caring for his family and being devoted to Worth. The family dogs were always a staple in the household.
He is predeceased by his parents, Barney and Lola Maude Van Zandt.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Emily Worth Bennett Van Zandt, sister, Janice Pearl Cox (Hayden); son, David Mims Van Zandt (Lucy); son, John Bernard Van Zandt (Gwen); grandchildren, Lauren Worth Kraus; Phillip Nelson Van Zandt; Robert Mims Van Zandt; Ellen Kate Hamilton (Kevin); great-grandchildren, Ava Rose Kraus; Cooper Van Zandt; Everett Van Zandt.
The family will announce any planned services at a later date for Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spanish Fort, Alabama.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
Dear Worth and Family. I am very sad to hear of Bernard’s death! Worth I remember fondly the early years of your courtship with Benard! Those were very happy and exciting times! My thoughts and prayers are with you Worth and with your Famiily! Suzanne Cooper Koonce
Dianne and I were sad to hear of Bernard’s passing. He and Worth were good neighbors and friends in Rock Creek. Bernard was kind, considerate and always smiling. A great person to know. May light eternal shine upon him.