Merle Duane Covalt

Memorial services for Duane Covalt will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2023, at the Woodward Church of Christ with David Heflin officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Marshall Funeral Home of Alva. Merle “Duane” Covalt was born February 4, 1930, in Woodward County, Oklahoma and passed away March 5, 2023, at Alva, Oklahoma. He was born the middle child of seven to James and Nora (Benne) Covalt. Duane would fondly recall events from his childhood from his mother’s famous pies to being baptized in a horse trough. The whole family would pack in a car for the 20 mile ride to church every Sunday. He would talk of memories of him and his brothers helping their dad rebuild homes after the 1947 tornado. After graduating High School, Duane enlisted in the United States Air Force with his best friend. It was a literal coin toss whether to join the Air Force or Navy and he was very thankful it was the Air Force. While in the service, Duane was stationed in South Korea during the conflict. He was awarded 2 Bronze Stars as well as other numerous decorations for service. It was his duty to work in Air Crash Rescue. Duane was very proud of his service to his country and it defined him for the rest of his life. Upon returning stateside, Duane enrolled in college and received his teaching degree. He furthered his education and received a Master of Education with a Administrator’s Certificate. He started teaching in the Oklahoma Panhandle at Baker. He not only taught but coached the boys football and basketball teams, as well as drove the school bus. It was there that he met Barbara Owens, a new teacher also from Woodward. He asked her out on a date to go fishing at Clear Lake. Three months later they were engaged and another three months, on June 1, 1959, married in Woodward at the United Brethren Church. Duane and his new bride then moved to Liberal, Kansas, where he accepted the position of Elementary Principal. In 1968, Duane and Barbara adopted their first child, David Duane Covalt and in 1971, adopted their second child, Barbara Michelle Covalt. They decided to move home to Woodward in 1975 to be closer to Barbara’s parents and to purchase and run Woodward Florist and Catering. Duane also accepted a position with Woodward Public Schools as the Assistant Principal at the Junior High School. In all, Duane was an Educator almost forty years. He is still fondly remembered by many students he interacted with over the years as well as some that he gave swats to. Duane was very active in the Church of Christ, serving as both a Deacon and Elder for many years. He also was very active in Children’s service at the Woodward Church of Christ. Duane always knew what scripture would help someone to know Christ better in their life. His mother, Nora, called him “Her Bartholomew” as he was always an encourager to everyone, even from a young age. Merle Duane Covalt leaves behind a legacy of Courage, Love, Education, Encouragement, Family and most of all a Christian example. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Nora Covalt; brothers, Mark Covalt, Carl Covalt, and George Covalt; sister, Mary Land; nephews, Clayton Hendershot, Wes Covalt, and Brian Land. He leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara Faye (Owens) Covalt of Alva; his son, David Duane Covalt and wife, Kerri, of Alva; his daughter, Barbara Michelle French of Morton, Texas; seven grandchildren, Hunter Covalt-Wiederstein and wife, Erin, of Noble, Clay Covalt-Wiederstein of Edmond, Ashkon Covalt of Oklahoma City, Jarrahn Covalt French of Morton, Texas; Aaron Pierce and wife, Katelyn, of Woodward, Evan Pierce of Tulsa, and Alaina Pierce of Alva; two great grandchildren, Lynlee Pierce and Drew Pierce; a brother, Dale Covalt and wife, Ila Joy, of Woodward; a sister, Dora Goodmiller of Kingman, Arizona; and being a Covalt, many, many nephews, nieces, and extended family and close friends. Memorial contribution may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Merle Duane Covalt

February 4, 1930 - March 5, 2023