Kenneth James Covey Jr.
Ken Covey of Panama City, Florida passed peacefully and with swift confidence into the arms of our Lord on the twelfth of October at the youthful age of 93. He was born in Syracuse, New York on May 8th, 1925 the son of Kenneth James Sr. and May (Whitehill) Covey of Syracuse.
A 1943 graduate of Tully High School, Ken immediately headed off to serve our Nation in the United States Navy with World War II in full turmoil. With a knack for engineering and science, Ken pursued aviation and was trained as a Radio Operator, becoming an expert in Morse code, navigation, electronics and was the best of his class at gunnery and weapons operation. Petty Officer Covey was assigned as Radar Operator, Radioman and waist gunner with VPB 211, a Patrol Squadron out of Naval Air Station Banana River (now Patrick AFB), flying PBM-4 Mariner patrol bombers. He deployed with his squadron to Brazil and completed dozens of missions patrolling the waters of the Atlantic and hunting German submarines. At the end of his Service, Ken was Honorably Discharged from the U. S. Navy and returned home to begin a remarkable career in electronics, engineering, manufacturing and business.
On December 24th, 1945, Ken married his Love, Jeanne Sauter of Lowville, New York. Ken and Jeanne's journey of life took them from New York to California, Michigan and ultimately to Florida. During this time, Ken's vast experience in agriculture, farming, industry, electronics, technology development and management spanned multiple organizations to include Ryan Aeronautical, Continental Motors and Teledyne. They had also been blessed with four children: Suzanne Marie, Christopher Kenneth, Matthew Nicholas and Katherine Frances. Ultimately, Ken settled the family in the Cove neighborhood of Panama City. Ken owned and operated Mid-South Lumber, while Jeanne opened Covey's Deli on Magnolia Avenue, and all four children graduated from Bay High School. A devout Catholic, he and his Family regularly attend St Dominic's Catholic Church. Following Jeanne's passing in 1984, Ken married Ms Gerrie (Hewitt), mother of Mike (Karen Crandall), Joy (Ken Pardy) and Cindy (Dave Nickerson). Throughout his life, Ken advocated for business development and social organizations in Panama City. He was a member of St Andrew's Yacht Club, Rotary, Elks Club, the Navy League, Tyndall Military Affairs and supported the American Legion. While Chris and Matt explored Boy Scouting, Ken volunteered his time to the Boy Scouts of America serving as an Assistant Scout Master. Wherever his journey led, Ken was an avid outdoorsman, mariner and aviator exploring the Gulf Coast and St Andrews Bay by boat, and the vastness of North America including Alaska, Canada, Nova Scotia and the continental United States by RV and private plane. He earned his wings as a private pilot in August, 1948 at age 23, and his instrument rating in 1985. Ken was both honored and humbled to be a long-time member and Goodfellow of the Quiet Birdmen and became one of this distinguished association's most senior members.
Ken is survived by an extensive Family including his sister Patty (Covey) Skeele (Leon) of Eugene, Oregon; two sons, Chris and Matt (Tammy Jenkins); two daughters, Sue (Dan Kilcullen) and Kate (Jeff McCauley); and several adoring grandchildren, Kristen Covey of Panama City, FL; Daniel and Robert Kilcullen of Ontario, Canada; Nicholas, Elijah and Faith Covey of Panama City, FL; Paul and Bennett McCauley of Virginia Beach, VA; Lindsey Crawford of Jacksonville, FL; Olivia Crawford Wells (Steve) of Panama City Beach, FL; and Caroline Nickerson of Orlando, FL. Additionally, he's survived by innumerable friends, colleagues, Sailors and QBs throughout Panama City, and across the Nation. Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and May Covey; his wife Jeanne (Sauter) Covey; his wife Gerrie (Hewitt) Covey; a brother Herbert Covey of Tully, NY; a sister, Betty (Covey) Hilfinger of Tully, NY; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and cousins.
A Memorial Service and Celebration of Ken's vibrant life will be held on Tuesday, November 20th at St. John's Catholic Church on Fortune Avenue. Visitation with family will commence at 1:00 p.m.; memorial celebration Mass at 2:00 p.m. with a reception following at St John's Parish Hall. Ken's remains will be interred at the Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider Donations made in Memory of Kenneth Covey to The Covenant House and Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida.