Covington, Thomas Michael

Thomas Michael Covington, 71, of Cedar Rapids, died Wednesday, July 13, 2011, at Northbrook Manor Care Center due to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. Services: 11 a.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories by Mercy Hospice Chaplain Kim Vogel. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2 until 6 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. The casket will be closed.

Thomas was born Nov. 2, 1939, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Lloyd and Beatrice (Quinn) Covington. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1958. He married Sue Wright on Aug. 31, 1973, in Cedar Rapids. He adopted Pete as his only son and was very close to him. Thomas proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, serving as a helicopter door gunman during the last of his nine years on duty. He was employed as an electrician for the Quaker Oats Co., retiring in 2001.

He enjoyed playing golf, the Iowa Hawkeyes and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Sue; daughter-in-law, Pam Covington, and a grandson, Page Covington, all of Cedar Rapids; four brothers, Stephen (Liz) Covington of Long Prairie, Minn., Brian (Joan) Covington of Cedar Rapids, Kit (Lorriane) Covington of North Babylon, N.Y., and Larry Covington of Davenport; a sister-in-law, Marilyn Tripodi of Goodyear, Ariz.; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Pete, and his parents.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone at Mercy Hospice, Northbrook Manor and Dr. Tim Sagers for all the wonderful care they gave Thomas.

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