Thomas H. Covey, Jr.

Thomas H. Covey, Jr. MD, age 90, of Morgantown passed away Friday March 20, 2026. He was born in Beckley, WV, October 28, 1935, to Margaret Bailey Covey and Thomas H. Covey. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Joda Lynn Fogerson.

Moving to Weston, WV, at age 10, Tom participated in scouting, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. He was a Golden Horseshoe winner in 1949, and participated in many school sports. Graduating from Weston High School in 1953, he attended West Virginia University

After graduation in 1957, Tom was accepted into Harvard Medical School graduating with a Degree in Medicine in 1961. The summer between his junior and senior years, he served as an extern at Notre Dame Bay Memorial Hospital, Twillingate, Newfoundland. He completed his surgical residency at the University of Michigan in 1964. While at U of M, he met and married Hope Kniffin, a graduate nurse.

Tom, served in the US Army Medical Corps., stationed in Berlin, Germany from 1967- 1970. Upon completion of his military service, Tom relocated with his family to St. Louis, Mo, where he was a clinical professor and director of the Division of General Surgery at Jewish Hospital/Washington University.

In 1984 Tom was recruited by WVU School of Medicine, as faculty in the Department of Surgery. Tom held many teaching and administrative positions at WVU School of Medicine until his retirement in 2001 as Professor of Surgery. It was his privilege to teach many medical students and surgery residents during those years, and was recognized for outstanding contribution to resident education.

After retirement, Tom and Hope traveled to other countries, usually participating as volunteers in various environmental projects and culture of the area.

Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Hope Kniffin Covey, and daughter, Emily Covey Kiral (Brian), son in law Scott Fogerson, and grandchildren: Emma Yerton (Austin), David Kiral (Sophia), Sophia Kiral, Neal Fogerson (Kori), Jordan Fogerson, and great grandson Leo Fogerson. Sisters, Myra Jo Covey White (Thomas) and Sharon Covey Lindsey (Billy Don, deceased) and their extended families. And by his beloved dog, Tracer. Tom had a great love for family, dogs, WVU Sports, nature and houseplants.

“You can take the boy out of West Virginia, but you can’t take West Virginia out of the boy”

Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation arrangements; there will be no public service. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.