Thomas C. Cover, Jr.

Thomas Clay Cover, Jr. of Easton, MD passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at Talbot Hospice House, Easton, with his loving wife, friends and family at his bedside. He was 91. Born February 10, 1917 in Easton, MD, he was the son of the late Thomas Clay, Sr. and Annabel Ball Cover. Tom’s only sibling, a sister Belle, preceded him in death. Tom grew up in Easton and was a 1934 graduate of Easton High School. He then attended St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD. In October 1938, he married Virginia C. Cover. Mrs. Cover preceded him in death in 1984. In 1946 Tom began his business career working with his father at the Easton Wholesale Grocery Company, which held the LeGrande Food Store label. The company transitioned from the wholesale grocery business to the wholesale building supply business in 1957. The company then became Easton Wholesale Company, Inc. Tom became the President and owner in 1962. Easton Wholesale was the first wholesale building supply company in this area, supplying the Delmarva Peninsula with a multitude of building materials, paint sundries, and marine products. The company was sold in 2005. Mr. Cover served as a Commissioner for Easton Utilities from 1968 -2000. For twelve years he served as President of the Commission. He was a member of Coats Lodge #102 AF & AM where he served as Master in 1965. He was also a member of the Boumi Temple Shrine, B.P.O. Easton Elks Lodge #1622, the Miles River Power Squadron, where he served as Commander in 1966, the Izaak Walton League, and the Board of Directors of Spring Hill Cemetery. Mr. Cover was best known for his entrepreneurial skills in the building industry. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, golfing, and yachting on his boat “The Cover Girl”. He received the most enjoyment from spending time with his family and friends. Tom was a generous, kind, caring, “true gentleman” to his family, friends, and past employees. He enjoyed his retirement spending Tuesdays and Wednesdays with his special group of friends and all the good times, conversation and cocktails that were included. He enjoyed sitting in his Florida room at his home “Herons Cover” watching the ducks, geese, birds and deer that would gather for their daily feast. Mr. Cover is survived by his second wife, the former Rita Granger Mumford; two sons, Thomas C. Cover III and his wife Ann, and Evan C. Cover all of Easton; a step-daughter, Paula Ann Young of Easton; two grandsons, Brett Cover of Easton and Jeremy Cover and his wife of Oregon; four great-grandchildren, Justin, Rebekah, Ashley, and Kyla; his beloved dogs, Romeo, Prince and Gi Gi; his cat, Oxy; and a very special friend, Doris Lempke of Trappe. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 at 11:00 AM at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. Friends may call on Monday evening from 6 to 8 PM at Fellows, Helfenbein & Newnam Funeral Home, P.A., Easton where a masonic service, conducted by Coats Lodge, #102 AF & AM will be held at 7:45 PM. Burial will be at Oxford Cemetery, Oxford, MD. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Mr. Cover’s honor to the Talbot County Humane Society, PO Box 1143, Easton, MD 21601 or Talbot Hospice Foundation, 586 Cynwood Drive, Easton, MD 21601.

Thomas C. Cover, Jr.

February 10, 1917 - November 19, 2008