Ronnie Lee Covey obituary

Ronnie Lee Covey, 61, of Poteau was born on April 1, 1965 in Calhoun to Carl Jimmy and Patsy Jane (Thompson) Covey and passed away at his home on April 25, 2026 in Poteau at the age of 61. 

Ronnie’s funeral service to honor his life is 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Panama Event Center with Pastor Tim Painter, Pastor Steve Hughes, and Pastor Anthony Jiminez officiating. Burial will follow in Shady Point Cemetery, under the direction and care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center in Poteau.

Survivors are his wife of 28 years, Margaret (LaRosa) Covey, of the home; two daughters Terra Hanna and husband Jimmy of Panama, and Heather Yarbery Covey of the home; one son Paul Moss and wife Brandy of Panama; his mother, Patsy Jane Covey, of Panama; his grandchildren Hunter Covey, Breanna Vaughan, Jackson Vaughan, Payslie Moss, Matthew Moss, Braden Hanna, Kodie Hanna, Kennedy Hanna and Caiden Hanna; four sisters Lois Gotes and husband Gerald of Panama, Judy Harris and husband Jackie of Shady Point, Carolyn Smith and husband Charles of Shady Point, and Janie Davis and husband Tim of Heavener; three brothers Bobby Covey and wife Heather of Georgia, Jimmy Covey and wife Tammy of Shady Point, and David Covey and fiancé Amy of Shady Point; his mother-in-law, Janette LaRosa, of Monroe; his brothers-in-law Paul LaRosa and wife Karen of Monroe, Rocco LaRosa of Monroe, and David LaRosa and wife Amanda of Edmond; his sisters-in-law Gina Rogers and husband Daril of Monroe, and Cathy Dees and husband Anthony of Panama; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones, and a host of many friends

Ronnie is preceded in death by his father, Carl Jimmy Covey, Sr.; two brothers Carl Jimmy Covey, Jr. and Andrew “Andy” Covey; and his father-in-law, Ralph LaRosa.

Ronnie graduated from Panama High School in 1983 and went to work at Whirlpool for 29 years, showcasing his diligence and integrity. He shortly entered the educational field, building on his skills of carpentry and cabinet building. It was never uncommon to find him renovating a house, helping move a house with his brothers and family, constructing buildings, or little projects. 

In September, 2014 Ronnie was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia, which is not curable. Ronnie has continued to take medication for cancer all these years while holding full time jobs and all the side jobs for family and friends. Yet he never mentioned or complained that he didn’t feel well. 

Throughout his life, Ronnie wore many hats but none more fitting than those of a loving family man and dedicated worker. He served the Panama Public Schools as a custodian and bus driver, roles in which he touched countless young lives with his kindness and patience. 

Ronnie was a man of many talents, truly a “Jack of All Trades,” who lived his life with a generous heart and an open mind. He found joy in helping others and never met a stranger. Ronnie’s  infectious smile could light up any room, and his presence made everyone feel welcome and cherished.

Family was at the core of Ronnie’s existence. He was a devoted husband, father, Poppa/ Pops, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend whose pride in his family knew no bounds. Ronnie’s support was unwavering as he cheered on his loved ones in every career, sport, and activity they pursued. His dedication to family was matched only by his love for spending time with them, sharing in laughter and creating memories that will be treasured forever.

Ronnie’s legacy is one of kindness, humility, and selflessness. He was always the first to lend a helping hand, never thinking twice about putting others’ needs before his own. His character and the examples he set will continue to inspire those who had the privilege to know him.

His departure leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched. He is survived by a loving family and a community that will forever remember his gentle nature and unwavering love.

Ronnie’s life, we find solace in knowing that his journey was filled with purpose and profound impact. His memory will forever be a guiding light, reminding us of the power of kindness and the importance of family.

He will be deeply missed, yet his legacy of love and compassion will continue to flourish in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

Pallbearers are Paul Moss, Hunter Covey, Jimmy Hanna, Bobby Covey, Jimmy Covey, David Covey, and Paul LaRosa.

Honorary pallbearers are LeFlore County Sheriff Department, Jackie Harris, Daril Rogers, Jackie Wayne Harris and Jacob Davis.

Viewing is Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday from 9 until 11:30 a.m. at Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel at 28918 205th Avenue in Poteau, Oklahoma.

The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Dowden-Roberts Funeral & Cremation Center Chapel on Highway 112 east of Poteau. 

To view Ronnie’s online guestbook, www.dowdenrobertscremationcenter.com.

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