Gary Dean Covey, 70, Elsmore, passed away Saturday, April 15, 2017, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born Sept. 22, 1946, in the Nevitt Clinic in Moran, the son of George J. Covey and Betty (Rieswig) Covey. He grew up in Elsmore on the family farm. Gary graduated from Elsmore High School in 1964. He then continued his education at Allen County Junior College for two years and then to Pittsburg State University for two years. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve in 1968 until 1974. He was honorably discharged as a Specialist Five USAR.
On Nov. 17, 1973, he married Beverly Norman. They made their home just one-half mile from where Gary was raised. He was a lifetime farmer and enjoyed gardening with his wife, and working cattle with his children, spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Gary loved playing cards with his family at family gatherings and he hated losing at pitch. You had to know what you were doing to be his partner or it could get a little crazy but so much fun.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and one daughter, Betty Jean Darling.
Gary is survived by his wife, Beverly Covey, of 43 years; four children, Kenneth Covey and Angela Gardener-Highberger, Colony, Kansas; Jackie and Aaron Redburn, Elsmore, Nancy and Richard Lamb, Osage City, and Kevin and Rachel Covey, Elsmore; 13 grandchildren, Madison, Taryn and Kadyn Covey, Kennlee, Aaron Michael, Kennadee and Aaden Redburn, Taylor, Austin, and Dalton Lamb, Rylan and Karoline Covey and Corbin Bowers; three siblings, Gene Covey, Moran, Gilbert Covey and wife Diana, Elsmore, and John Covey and wife Trish, Moran; one aunt, Carol Baldwin, Derby; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at New Baptist Church on Hwy 54, Moran, with graveside military funeral honors following at the Moran Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Moran.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Moran Baptist Church or to the American Legion Post No. 385, Moran.
