Anthony Earl Covert

As a young boy, Tony, as he was known to his family and friends, grew up on a dairy farm that had been in their family for seven generations in southwestern New York, outside of Randolph. He attended and graduated from Randolph High School with the Class of 1962.

In the fall of 1962, Tony entered the United States Army and served his country from August 31, 1962 and retired August 31, 1984 having attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Tony was a veteran of the Vietnam era and during peacetime. He was stationed in France, Germany, and many other locations in the states. While serving in Vietnam, he was stationed in Qui Nhon Port, Pleiku, Dakto, Cam Ranh Bay Air Force Base and Phu Tai. He was a marksman (rifle) sharpshooter (carbine), sharpshooter (rifle) and heavy equipment instructor for the Army. During his military career, Tony earned the following medals: Army Commendation Medal, Nations Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Bars and Good Conduct Medal.

After retiring from the military, Tony continued serving his country as a Department of Defense employee. He was a heavy equipment instructor at the “million-dollar hole” on Fort Leonard Wood. He retired after 20 years of service. Tony also owned and operated a small backhoe business for a time after retiring from the military.

On March 11, 1974, Tony was united in marriage to Patricia Arlene Tremaine Stranigan. They shared over 47 years of marriage together and were blessed with two children: Kelly Lynn and Daniel David.

Tony was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed deer, turkey, and squirrel hunting. He also liked to shoot and reload his own ammunition. He had a friend once that told him that Tony had taught him more in 8 hours about how to improve his shooting skills than he had learned in 25 years of military service. Tony was a longtime member of the NRA (National Rifle Association).

Tony loved animals, especially his dogs. He also enjoyed being on his tractor and helping others. Most importantly, he loved his family tremendously and always took great pride in caring for them and their needs. He treasured all the time that he could spend with them, especially with the grandchildren.

Earlier in his life, Tony had made an important decision and accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He was a member of the New Life Ministries Church since 1983 and was willing to help wherever he could. He went home to be with his Lord on Monday, February 14, 2022 in the Lake Regional Hospital of Osage Beach, Missouri having attained the age of 77 years.

Tony will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Patricia Covert of the home; two children: Kelly Capowski of Columbia, MO and Danny Stranigan (Kim) of Elizabeth City, NC; six grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; two sisters: Shirley Palmer (David) of Jekyll Island, GA, and Susan Harrower (Roger) of Jamestown, NY; brother-in-law: Ralph Ozzella of Olean, NY; aunt: Doris Stone of Randolph, NY; other relatives and friends.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents: Asher Covert and Greta McKimm; and one sister: Rebecca Ozzella.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2022 in the Missouri Veteran’s Cemetery of Waynesville, MO. Arrangements are under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Online condolences can be sent at www.memorialchapelsand crematory.com.