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Donald Covert Obituary
Born in Cincinnati and raised in Portsmouth, Ohio, he was the husband of Sandra Winter Heckman Covert and son of the late Donald Smith Covert and Betty Babcock Covert.
He was a Doctor of Optometry and a longtime member of Graham Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and an Elder. He attended Sunday School and was active in the Men's Bible Study group. He was a man of deep faith and his love for the Lord was evident in everything he did.
He graduated from Portsmouth High School where he served as President of the Student Council. He was an Eagle Scout, played various sports and dearly loved and respected his first coach, Shurl Shoemaker, who had a profound influence on his life. Upon graduation he headed to The Ohio State University where he graduated from the College of Optometry.
Dr. Covert's optometry career began in Michigan and he continued his practice when he and his family moved to Graham, NC. He served patients in Graham and Roxboro for many years. He was actively involved in his community serving on numerous boards including the Alamance County Health Board. Dr. Covert was a member of several professional organizations including the American Optometric Association and the North Carolina Society of Optometry. He was a member of Rotary for 42 years and was a Paul Harris Fellow. One of his favorite pastimes was playing golf and he played as often as he was able. As a matter of fact, he birdied his last hole when he played on Monday. He was a world traveler and most recently enjoyed a cross country trip with his wife in their motor coach.
Survivors include his wife, Sandra Winter Heckman Covert of the home; daughters, Amelia Lynn "Amy" Fleming (Edward) of Elon, Rebecca Louise "Becky" Robison (Trey) of Indian Trail, NC; son, Donald Babcock Covert, Jr. of Graham; stepdaughter, Jennifer Heckman Starkey (Randy) of Conway, NC; mother, Betty Babcock Covert, Portsmouth OH; sister, Elizabeth Louise Salladay (John) of Indianapolis, IN; brothers, Howard Larkin Covert (Joanne) of Indianapolis, IN and Thomas Samuel Covert (Brenda) of Portsmouth, OH; grandchildren, Madeleine, Robert, and Larkin Fleming; James, William and Peter Robison; Aubrey, Chloe, Nathanael, Lukas and Adassa Starkey. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Susan Mangum Covert and by his father, Donald Smith Covert.
A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 11, 2017 at Graham Presbyterian Church by Dr. Steve Braswell and Rev. Randy Starkey.
The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Graham Presbyterian Church,216 W. Harden Street, Graham, NC 27253 (P.O. Box 1089) in memory of Donald Covert.
You may sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Covert
Angie Williams
February 21, 2017
I'm so sorry for the family's loss at this time. Dr. Covert was a very well known and popular man of Alamance County. I met him when his son and I dated years ago. I was always treated very kindly by the Covert family and Dr. Covert was a very special and loved dad by his children and others he may have touched there lives. May God Bless the Family and hope the Covert children will keep his legacy going in Alamance County with his Optometry Business. Here is my phone number for Donnie if he would like to talk 336-380-3122.
Kathy McFarland
February 20, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked for Dr. Covert in his Roxboro practice for many years. He was well thought of by his staff and patients. He will be greatly missed.
Lauren Caviness
February 20, 2017
Doctor Covert took care of three generations of Caviness family members. My grandmother, My uncle, My father, and my sister and I. Over the course of fifty odd years he has been giving us the gift of sight. Our family our vision is so bad that we even were losing colors. Visiting him was seeing a friend. He was a true gift to this world and he will be missed. I heard about his passing today. And broke down in tears. I saw him when I was 7 for the first time now I am 21. We are all gathered in prayer for friends and family. Looking forward to seeing you again.
"What's up doc?"
February 17, 2017
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. We were neighbors of Don's for many years. He was a great neighbor and friend. Our prayers are with you. Donnie & Cathy Black
Pawson family
February 16, 2017
I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. I only knew of him for being my families eye doctor and he was very nice and caring. He will be greatly missed. Prayers to his family & friends in their time of loss.
February 16, 2017
We are going to miss a big brother, uncle and friend. Our hearts ache with sadness but rejoice in knowing that Don loved the Lord with all his heart. You were everythinG to us...loyal , kind, generous, funny, adventuresome, happy and a pure joy. We love you always, Don, until we meet again...your sister, Betsy, John, Ellen Salladay
February 12, 2017
My sincere condolences to your family. May God's Word be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Ps.147:3.
Jan & Bill Snell
February 11, 2017
Dear Family: We give THANKS for the "Gift" of Don into our lives as a Friend and our Dr. We loved his warm, wonderful, welcoming Smile and will truly miss him. God bless all of you. You are in thought & prayer for the loss of your "Beloved" Our Love & Sympathy.
Condolences from the Shively Family
Rudy Shively
February 11, 2017
Don was a good man and a true friend. I am shocked and very sad to learn of his passing since seeing him looking very well indeed this past May at our class reunion. The Lord Jesus heal the brokenhearts of those who love him. God bless you.
Ernie Eynon
February 10, 2017
I'll be missing my big brother of a cousin, and carry with me memories of adventures, learning and growing up together as best friends and comrades in arms, my trailblazer who was always there to show the way and take me along. So much fun, so many escapades, so much sharing, so much love.
Bonnie Johnson
February 10, 2017
The world lost a great humanitarian and friend but heaven has gained a wonderful angel. We will miss you very much Don. Your presents at the Rotary meetings has been felt.
February 10, 2017
Will miss his presence at church. Praying for his family. Carol Richard
Gary and Renee Emery
February 10, 2017
Sandra, Amy, Becky, Donnie and Jennifer,
Heaven has received another angel, for that I'm sure. Dr. Covert was a great friend to my family. May His love be with you today and in the days ahead. May you take tremendous comfort knowing that he will and forever always be with you. Treasure your precious memories. Love and peace.
Karl Stonecipher, MD
February 10, 2017
I started working in Don's office in 1991. I won't forget how he could always make me laugh. We shared a lot of patients together and for that we made a great team. I'll miss that team but look forward to seeing him again. What a great person and we are all at a loss with his passing.
Russell Guy
February 10, 2017
Deeply saddened by Don's passing. Don always had a good word for everyone at Rotary meetings and was the best eye doctor I'd ever had. My prayers go out to Sandra and the family.
Darsell Hadley
February 10, 2017
I will truly miss you Dr. Covert!!! You were my optometrist for years and years and I believe we talked more about eternal life than my vision. What a testimony your life was. We both did the Crop Walk annually. You were a man of God and now you see that your faith was not in vain. You are living in your heavenly home
Velna Foust
February 10, 2017
I was blessed when I moved my eye care to Dr Covert. He was a very caring doctor. Enjoyed my visits with him! Going to an appointment was like visiting with a friend.
Patrick Warren
February 10, 2017
Dr. Covert was always very genuine and kind when he saw me. I didn't visit often. It's past time for my next examination and i could imagine what he'd say after seeing how long I waited. I'm sorry i never scheduled that appointment now. He was always a good man and he will be missed. My condolences to his family.
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