Burnis Covington

Burnis Covington was born October 5, 1925 in Cleburne, Texas. He died March 11, 2019 at his home in the Blodgett community at the age of 93.

He was one of nine children born to C.R. Sr. and Exa Covington, all of whom preceded him in death. He quit Cleburne High School to join the U.S. Navy in 1943. He was later awarded his high school diploma through a program at the P.E. Wallace Veterans Day program. He was extremely proud of this honor. Burnis loved his country and its flag and was extremely emotional and sentimental about both. Throughout his life, he maintained the mentality of the Greatest Generation and their pride in working hard and showing pride and honor in his military endeavors.

He married Betty Ramsey in May of 1946. She preceded him in death in 2010. He worked many jobs as they raised their family, eventually working for the U.S. Post office from which he retired in 1985 as a supervisor of a post office in Dallas.

Burnis was very involved in the Masonic Lodge. He was a 33-degree Mason and received his 50-year service recognition just prior to his death. He belonged to many lodges in Dallas and the East Texas area. He served as Master of several lodges and held positions at the Grand Lodge of Texas. He was a member of Hella Shrine and Scottish Rite. He loved the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children. He volunteered with Special Olympics and was a mentor in the Mount Pleasant ISD elementary schools for several years. He participated in Temple Lodge’s Fantastic Teeth program for many years and was delighted (to tears) when a group of 200 or so first-graders would sing Happy Birthday to him.

He is survived by his son, Gary Covington; and daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Bill Guy.

A private family service was held at the Blodgett Cemetery. If desired, donations may be made in Burnis’ memory to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn Dallas, Texas 75219.