Charles E. Covey

Charles “Duke” Covey of Royal Oak died Friday, February 18, 2011 at the Easton Memorial Hospital. He was 88 years old. Born August 24, 1922 in Easton to the late, William Henry and Mary Jane Covey, he was a life-long resident of Talbot County. After attending public school, he worked on the family farm until he enlisted in the army. He served in World War II as a member of the 101 Cavalry and saw action overseas in both France and Germany. Upon an honorable discharge after the war, he went to work for J. McKinney Willis in Easton. In later years, he was self-employed, primarily in property management and transportation. Mr. Covey will long be remembered by the hundreds of young people who participated in athletics at St. Michaels High School as the bus driver who took them to their away games. Mr. “Duke” as he was affectionately known, was more than a bus driver, he was one of the guys. In 1984, the teams of SMHS thanked “Duke” for all his years of service by naming him an honorary “team member”. Mr. Covey was recognized again in 1986 when the Senior Class of SMHS dedicated their yearbook, “The Clipper” to Mr. Duke. In doing so, the dedication read in part, “Mr. Duke is more than just a bus driver to the people of St. Michaels High School. He is a special friend to both the students and faculty. Mr. Duke is a very special member of SMHS and we all appreciate the contributions he has made tour school.” He was an active member of the community and worked tirelessly in support of the Shriners Hospitals for Children, who provide free orthopedic and burn care for children throughout North America. He was a member of Coats Lodge #102 AF & AM, The Shriners of North America, and the Eastern Shore Shrine Club of Boumi Temple. He was also a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the Easton Elks. Mr. Covey is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruth Covey; by two sons, Ronald Covey and his wife, Maria, of Royal Oak and Roger Covey and his wife, Lucie, of College Park, MD; four grandchildren: Nicole Rich, Liliana Crow, Ruark Covey, and Corinne Bruzzese; and three great-grandchildren, Brandon Rich, Alexis Rich, and Georgia Crow. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, 1138 Parsons Road, Salisbury, MD 21801. Friends may call at the Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A. in Easton on Friday, February 25 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm, with a Masonic Service to be held at 7:45 pm. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 26 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in St. Michaels. Interment will follow at the Olivet Cemetery.

Charles E. Covey

August 24, 1922 - February 18, 2011