Van Allen Brandon, MS, Van’s outdoors owner dies unexpectedly

Brandon, Mississippi, is grieving the loss of Van Allen, the well-loved owner of Van’s Sporting Goods. Allen passed away in the early hours of November 14, 2024, leaving behind a legacy in the community that he deeply impacted. While his cause of death has not been disclosed, Allen’s passing marks the end of an era for his iconic deer processing and sporting goods store, a staple in Brandon known for its service to hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and families alike.

Allen was more than a business owner; he was a friend, mentor, and respected figure among his customers and colleagues. Over the years, Van’s Sporting Goods became not only a retail hub but also a place where Allen shared his passion and expertise with patrons, many of whom recall his influence on their own journeys. As the news of his passing spread, heartfelt tributes from those who knew him filled social media and local forums.

“Thoughts and prayers going out to Van Allen’s family and everyone at Van’s stores. That man gave me a lot of advice and help starting out. We have lost a gun and hunting legend. RIP SIR,” shared Guns-N-Gear in Gluckstadt, Mississippi, capturing the sentiment of those who admired Allen’s legacy in the hunting community.

For Victoria Marie, Allen’s passing feels personal. “Van Allen has known me since the day I was born. My whole family, including myself, have all worked for him or with him at some point,” she shared, recalling fond memories of growing up around Allen’s stores. “As a little girl, I remember his first day open as just a deer processing [place] in the little building that is known as ‘Greenfield Medical.’ This loss hits a little hard. Prayers for everyone affected by his loss.”

Beyond Brandon, Allen’s reach extended to other outdoor businesses and communities. SIP Outdoors expressed their sorrow in a statement: “On behalf of everyone at SIP Outdoors, we are saddened by the loss of Van Allen. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Though his presence will be missed, Van Allen’s legacy endures through the community he helped shape, his family, and the generations of hunters and outdoor lovers he inspired. His passion and dedication to the outdoors, the sport, and his customers will be remembered for years to come, and the community will feel his absence in countless ways.