Gary Lee Covert
May 3, 1944 – June 17, 2021
Obituary for Gary Lee Covert
Gary Lee Covert, age 77, passed away from heart failure and heartbreak on June 17, 2021, four months after the death of his beloved wife of 52 years, Susan Covert. Gary, son of the late Glenn and Lorene Covert, was born on May 3, 1944, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and later moved to Texas. He was the youngest child with three older sisters. Gary’s father Glenn died when he was only eight years old, leaving Gary to embrace responsibilities and independence early in life. It was a formative start to what would become his legacy as loving family man, entrepreneur and benefactor in his rags-to-riches journey.
He grew up in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas and attended Sunset High School, class of 1961. He valued hard work from his earliest days, with a variety of jobs to support himself and family of origin. He began his vocation in architecture at The University of Texas after a chance encounter with a childhood friend who was studying the field. He called it another stroke of luck for how he described himself, “as the luckiest man alive.” He designed thousands of residences and dream homes in north Texas and Oklahoma over a prolific 47-year-career. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin in 1968. He designed first for builders during college to make ends meet and then as a professional for the Army-Airforce Exchange in Hawaii. After planting roots back in Dallas, he designed for Graphic Design Group until starting Covert and Associates Architects in 1986 with Susan. He reluctantly retired in 2016 due to health concerns, selling the firm to longtime employee and close friend Scott Prentice, who carries on the legacy today with Gary’s great pride.
Gary was introduced to his future wife Susan on a blind date while she was attending the University of North Texas. After marrying in January of 1969, Gary and Susan moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, for Gary’s job. There, they welcomed the birth of their first daughter, Jennifer, in November 1970. The family returned to Dallas in 1973 to be near extended families and their parents. Over the next five years, they welcomed a son, Michael, and youngest daughter, Julie. His dedication to supporting family was a driving force throughout his life, including frequent gatherings, holiday traditions, family trips and promoting family into the business.
Gary’s service went beyond work and family, and into a long career in the National Guard. He relished leading tank convoys and being in the company of other servicemen. He retired with the rank of Major after 22 years.
Gary was also known for his endless generosity and charm, making the most of every encounter to generate smiles from clients to perfect strangers. He supported his children and their families in countless ways, as well as employees, friends and business confidants without hesitation. He donated significant time and money to the family’s primary parish of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic community, including designing the remodel of the current parish center. He sponsored and encouraged his children to seek education, experiences and self-reliance. He led with character and tireless conviction for doing things the “right way.” He loved with thoughtful words and actions, expressing his pride and affection for his family and others. Gary was comfortable in his own skin, from singing anywhere on a whim to sharing quips, jokes and goofs. He read voraciously and favored military and history books, the bigger the better. Gary made responsibility, loyalty and hard work enduring values for those lucky to know him.
He is survived by three children: Jennifer Clay, husband David; Michael Covert, wife Erin; and Julie Murphy, husband Sean. Eight grandchildren: Allison, Audrey and Andrew Clay; Bree, Bauer and Bennett Murphy; Cora and June Covert. One sister: Martha Ancona and family.
The funeral prayer service will be held on Saturday, June 26 at 1:30 pm at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Richardson, Texas. Social distancing observed. Service will also be streamed on the Saint Paul Church Facebook page. Gary will then be buried next to Susan at Restland Cemetery. In lieu of a visitation, the family welcomes all to a reception to celebrate the lives of both Gary and Susan at the St. Paul Parish Center following the service and internment.
Link to observe services virtually: https://www.facebook.com/saintpaulchurch
St. Paul the Apostle Church address: 720 S Floyd Rd, Richardson, TX 75080
St. Paul Parish Center address: near church, 900 St Paul Dr, Richardson, TX 75080
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Gary and Susan’s favorite organizations, Catholic Charities of Dallas. Donate online at ccdallas.org/donate or mail a check to: Catholic Charities Dallas, 1421 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75247
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gary Lee Covert please visit our Sympathy Store.
Upcoming Events
Funeral Mass
JUN 26. 1:30 PM (CST)
St. Paul the Apostle Catholic church
720 S Floyd Rd, Richardson, TX 75080
Interment
JUN 26 (CST)
Restland Cemetery
13005 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75243
https://www.restlandfuneralhome.com/
Cemetery Details
Restland Cemetery
13005 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75243
https://www.restlandfuneralhome.com/