Oklahoma City - Gene Dale Covington

was born on June 7, 1932, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He was the son of Lonnie Covington and Norma

Rhoads Covington.

He attended Tulsa Central High School and the

Oklahoma Military Academy. Dale played

professional baseball in Panama City, Florida,

and later served two years in the United States

Army.

After his military service, Dale met Carole

Larson at the University of Tulsa in 1957, where

he was a student. They celebrated 68 years of

marriage.

Following his time in the Army, Dale began a 30-

year career with General Motors, working in

Tulsa and later in McAlester, Oklahoma.

Dale served 11 years as mayor of McAlester. In 1999, he was named Oklahoma Mayor of

the Year. During his time in office, Dale started the Run for Your Life program, which was

funded through government bonds, and a one-mile walking track was built. In 1993, it

was named the Dale Covington walking trail. Dale ran the Tulsa Run for 25 consecutive

years.

He served as a regent at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton and was a

member of the Oklahoma Centennial Committee for the remodeling of the State Capitol.

Dale was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.

Dale retired and moved to Edmond in 2004. He was a three-time cancer survivor.

He is survived by his wife, Carole; his son, Steve Covington; his daughter, Karen

Hernandez; five grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Crossing Community Church Chapel at 2:00 p.m. on

January 27.

Dale donated his body to Oklahoma Medical Science.

Memorial Service for Gene Dale Covington

Date: Tuesday, January 27th

Time: 2:00 PM

Location: Crossings Community Church Chapel

Address: 14600 Portland Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73134