Donald (Don) passed peacefully on March 12, 2023 after a short illness. He was 90 years old and had lived a rich and full life. His faithfulness and love for his family was evident to everyone who knew him. His strength, dedication and wisdom were influential to the many people he interacted with over the years.
He was born in South Abington, Pennsylvania. He joined the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War. He married his wife, Ann Covey, in 1957 and worked for Western Electric Corporation as an Engineer. He retired from Teletype Corporation at the age of 54 after a successful career. During his retirement years he enjoyed traveling, golfing, and became a Master Gardener. He remained a dedicated gardener well into his 80’s, was a volunteer driver for the VA Hospital, and had a side job doing taxes for H&R Block for a number of years.
He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Ann Covey, daughters Lynn Morrison ( Keith Morrison), Chris Fikes (John Fikes) and Lee Michna (Roger Michna). He has 11 grandchildren: Annie Fikes, Sarah Morrison, Austin Fikes, Blaise Michna, Terrina Odek, Margaret Powers, Lucas Michna, Ben Morrison, Nathaniel Michna, Valeria Morrison, and Samuel Morrison.
He is preceded in death by his father, Hilton Covey, his mother, Ellen Covey, and his sister, Audrey Batroff. He is survived by two brothers, Richard Covey, and Bruce Covey as well as much extended family.
Don was always full of “sap and green”: always thinking, planning, observing and doing. He bore beautiful fruit in our lives and on this earth. He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends and his strong influence will live on through all of us.
“They still bear fruit in old age: They are ever full of sap and green.”- Psalm 92:14
The family will receive friends from 5-7 PM Friday, March 17, 2023 at Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Saturday, March 18, 2023 at Beard’s Chapel. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Fayetteville.
Donations may be made to the U of A Master Gardner Program, https://uada.formstack.com/forms/donations (Endowments, Washington Co. Master Gardner Endowment) or Alzheimer’s Disease Research, donate.brightfocus.org.
Sincere condolences to your family. I am so very sorry for your loss. May God provide the necessary peace and comfort to your family and friends during this difficult time. Please remember these words of encouragement from the Bible: “ Jesus plainly told her: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life.” —John 11:20-25.
Thank you so much for your prayers over us. We are at peace and celebrating his long life.
Prayers for all the family! Don and Ann were members of Our Lady of Fatima in Benton years ago and I remember well what wonderful people they were.
I remember Don giving me some good pointers when it came to learning how to putt at our annual golf tournaments!
Thank you for your thoughts about our parents. You would be pleased to know that although he could no longer golf, he lived his last years with one of his daughters in a house on the 17th hole of Stonebridge Golf course where years before he had played the hole with a Hole in One.
Dearest Ann, My heart hurts for you! Don was the model husband as you were the model wife! A true partnership. You both served as such a special example of God’s love through marriage. As he will rest in peace, he will watch over you until such time as your service here is done. Then he will be welcoming you with open arms and all love.
Ann, Lynn, Chris and Lee, I just happened to Google Don’s name this morning and saw that he passed away. I’m so glad that he and Phyllis reconnected towards the end of their lives. I have such fond memories of all of you back in the days of EB. Prayers for comfort and peace abound.
Blessings. ❤️🙏 Leslie
Dearest John and Chris, Annie and Hannah, and Family,
I never had the privilege of meeting Don but can only imagine the incredible person he must have been to be a cornerstone in such a loving, committed, and caring family.
I pray for you all on your journey of healing and I am sending you strength as you guide Ann on her journey of healing. Much love, support, prayer, and positive energy coming your way.