Turl Covington

Turl J. Covington, Jr. was born on April 12, 1916, in St. Louis, Missouri to his parents, Turl J. Covington, Sr. and Elaine Covington. He was the only child born to this union. He received his formal education in Chicago, Illinois, where he graduated from Cass Technical High School in 1933. In 1940, Turl was assigned to the 10th U.S. Cavalry known as the Buffalo Soldiers. This unit consisted of black troops with white officers. Turl's military service would span for 22 years. He served on bases both foreign and domestic. The Buffalo Soldiers consisting of the 9th and 10th Horse Cavalry would leave an indelible mark in this nation's history. Turl was one of a few men who would continue to tell the story of what it meant to be a Buffalo Soldier during a time when bigotry was the accepted norm in the day to day life of black soldiers. Turl served with honor and distinction and was honorably discharged; retiring at the rank of a Master Sergeant (E8). On May 6, 1942, Turl united in holy matrimony to the former Ruby Dow. They first met when he was stationed in Ft. Riley, Kansas. To this union, two daughters, Cynthia and Sheryl were born. Turl was a loving and devoted husband and father. The family shared many happy and precious moments together. He was later blessed with a grandson, Philip and a great granddaughter, Janai, who were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. Turl and Ruby had been married 60 years, when she preceded him in death in 2006. After his discharge from the military, Turl became employed as a Civil Service employee for the government in Ft. Riley, Kansas. He worked as a Housing Inspector. He was hard-working, dedicated and performed his duties with a spirit of excellence. He remained with the Civil Service for 17 years. Turl was a fun loving man, who enjoyed life and those he encircled. In his free time, he enjoyed playing bingo, listening to jazz music, and attending VFW functions. He was extremely fond of listening to the Duke Ellington Orchestra, where one of his cousins played the trumpet. He also enjoyed his visits to Denver to be with his daughters, and to listen to his son-in-law, Al Hammond Moore's jazz group perform. His greatest source of joy could be found as he visited the 9th and 10th Calvary reunions. The most recent reunion was held in Denver, Colorado in July of 2014. Turl was honored as the oldest Buffalo Soldier from the 9th and 10th Calvary. He was presented a special Buffalo Soldier Medal of Honor. He was certainly proud of his service in the organization and enjoyed speaking to youth and groups to help preserve the history. He did so until his passing. Well done, Turl J. Covington, Jr. many lives have been blessed because they crossed paths with you. Take your rest, we all loved but God loved you best. Turl J. Covington, Jr. departed this life on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2015, in Aurora, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his two daughters, Cynthia A. (Al) Moore and Sheryl L. LaCour all of Denver; his grandson, Philip J. LaCour and his great granddaughter, Janai L. LaCour both of Denver and a host of other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 11/22/2015 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 11/23/2015 at 11:00 AM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO
Cemetery: 11/23/2015 at 2:00 PM - Fort Logan National Cemetery - 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver, CO