Kerry Lynn Cothern

Kerry Lynn Cothern, 70, of Central, Louisiana, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to family, community, and friendship.

Born March 2, 1955, in Yazoo City, Mississippi, Kerry was a 1973 graduate of Central High School, where he excelled as an athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. Following graduation, he became a proud member of the Local 198 Pipefitters Union before co-owning and operating Cothern Tire Store for nearly 40 years, serving his community with dedication and integrity.

Kerry was preceded in death by his parents, Kellon Durell Cothern of Jayess, Mississippi, and Vivian Porter Cothern of Yazoo City, Mississippi.

He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Shae Walk Cothern; his children, Heather Cothern Musial (Rob), Chase Cothern (Amanda), and Kalynn Cothern; his grandchildren, Gavin, Colton, and Nora; and his siblings, Ronnie Cothern (Kelli) and Keith Cothern (Brenda). He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, as well as numerous lifelong friends he cherished.

Kerry enjoyed hunting with his family and friends, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and spending time on the water boat riding. Known for his dry wit and big heart, he touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed.

Pallbearers are: Chase Cothern, Ronnie Cothern, Keith Cothern, Cade Cothern, Christopher Cothern, and Rob Musial.

Honorary pallbearers are: Stan Odom, Mike Morain, Carey Jenkins, Scooter Davis, Benny Crawford, Doug Welborn, Henry Gaudet, Joe Cothern, Matt Cothern, Travis Moore, Billy Cothern, Joey Cothern, Tommy Cothern, and David Bourke.

The family takes comfort in the words of John 11:24–25: “Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live.’

Funeral services for Kerry will take place on Monday, December 15th, 2025 at Zoar Baptist Church - located at 11848 Hooper Rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70818. A visitation will take place beginning at 9:00 AM until 12:00 PM, at which time a religious service will be held. Following funeral services, the Cothern family would like to invite any visitors to attend the reception - to be held on location.