BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH
OF
JUNIUS BLAINE COVINGTON, Sr.
15 October 1998
Prepared and Written by:
Junius Blaine Covington, Sr.
4211 Annapolis Drive
West Valley City, Utah 84120
(801) 968-7703
BIOGRAPHY
JUNIUS BLAINE COVINGTON, SR.
HIS WIFE
GRETCHEN LOUISE (COUSINS)
THEIR TOGETHERNESS
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Biography of Junius Blaine COVINGTON, Senior - Page 1
Junius Blaine COVINGTON, Senior, was born of goodly parents, Junius Gilbert and Florence "A" (PECTOL) COVINGTON, on 15 November 1920, in the small town of Torrey, Wayne County, Utah. Records of his given name were confused at the time of birth, as was his date of birth. For clarification see Note 1, attached.
Blaine was the second child in a family of nine brothers and sisters, three girls, and six boys. In order of birth they are: Florence LaBabe (RENTZ), Junius Blaine Sr., John (Jack) Portman-who died when only nine months old, Betty "D"ee-(CORDES)- she added the "ee" because she didn't like just an initial, Joe Talmage, Hal "J"- was happy with only an initial because it was short like his name, Dorothy Burlene (TALBOT)-nicknamed "Bunny" because she was so cuddly and small, Teddy Bryan and the youngest Gene-evidently his parents had run out of names and/or initials by 1942. Each surviving family member has produced sons and/or daughters for a total of 29. Quite an increase in family size, not to name all the now births coming from their children and now their grandchildren. A family to be proud of.
His youthful years were spent in Torrey in Winter and on the family homestead in Summer. The homestead was located on the East end of Boulder Mountain in the vicinity of Chokecherry Point, Garfield County, Utah, some 17 miles South of Torrey. The homestead is known as the "COVINGTON RANCH" or "HAPPY VALLEY." Although no longer owned by the family it is still a place that he calls "home. It was here that he was taught and learned the art of hard work that comes with farming, cattle ranching, sheep herding and just surviving. Being the oldest son he was taught early how to work and take care of himself at home and in the wilderness. There was very little wasted time during daylight hours. You worked to survive, as was the example set by his Mother and Father.
There were many fond memories of his participation in LDS Church activities. His first recollection is of the songs that were taught in Primary, such as "When Our Whiskers Grow" and "Come Take A Ride in My Airoplane". His whiskers did grow and his first shave was by a bunch of cousins at the Covington reunion in Orderville in 1933-perhaps this is why he remembers the song so well. Airplanes were the thing of the day following World War 1. Barnstorming pilots were covering the Nation in an introduction of this great new way to travel. Torrey even built an airport so they could land safely and then they did come. Around 1928 the first planes landed at the airport. For a cost of $2.00 per person you could take a ride. Vern Mott and He had saved pennies, or someone came up with the money and they took a ride. What an experience and what a view - a song well remembered had come to pass. The actual date could have been later than 1928, but during that early period of barnstorming the country made this song a reality.
When free from daytime assignments at home he was also involved in the Boy Scout of America, especially in Wintertime. His Scoutmaster and teacher was Jack Osborn, a very patriotic and loyal man to his country and fellowman. He seen to it that the young men of age 12 and over had every opportunity to enjoy the program. He was especially gifted in teaching. He loved to see that the boys accomplished everything that was in the handbook, especially the 21-mile hike. Blaine advanced to First Class Scout - Eagle Scouting required swimming and there was no place around where one could learn to swim. It is doubtful any boy in his troop ever advanced beyond First Class but they I learned scouting, from this good man.
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Biography of Junius Blaine COVINGTON, Senior - Page 2
Schooling was held in a two story, red rock, building for those in grades one through eight. First three grades in room 1, fourth and fifth in room two and the final three grades in room 3. It is doubtful that the rooms were numbered. The local children filled the rooms to capacity but being a farm
community the length of the school year was short. Blaine started school in his 5th year or just shortly before his sixth birthday, which was against the rule - you had to be six by the month of September to enroll. He did, however, spend nine years in order to complete the requirements set forth. One year when funds ran out to operate the school, the school year lasted only five months and some of the younger eighth graders were held back. Not to many fond memories come from those elementary school years - only the fights with local kids as he would come and go to school remain in his memory.
Perhaps reaching twelve years of age or now living in town all year helped him overcome his unfriendliness. He became active in the church and received his priesthood advancements when due. Loved to participate in community activities. Was active in school sports and programs at Wayne High School, which he attended in 1935-36. The 10th, and 11th grades at Richfield High School in Richfield, Utah, where he played varsity basketball and football 1938-39 Wayne High School, in Bicknell, Utah, was where he returned to graduate from High School. Following graduation and a Summer at the sheepherd, his higher learning was at the Los Angeles, California, Technical High School, and the LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah.
By now, almost 20 years of his life had slipped by, his dreams of becoming a Sailor in Uncle Sam's Navy was foremost on his mind. At 13 years of age he had decided on his career and that wasn't farming or sheep-herding; he wanted to be a Sailor. Many an argument came up with his parents over such a decision. His Dad agreed to sign consent papers if he would join the Marines - his mother would sign none, she wanted him to go on an LDS Mission and complete four years at college. He would have none of the above so his life just carried on day after day in the old drudgery of working and going to school. In July 1940, his grandfather, Ephraim P. PECTOL, was serving in the Utah Legislature as the representative of his area, Wayne County, etc. He and Blaine met frequently for lunch and the subject of World War II came up, including the possibility of Blaine having to go into the Armed Forces because of the draft. Blaine explained his years of desire to be a sailor and not wait to be drafted. Grandfather Pectol went to the Navy Recruiting Station with him that same day. Papers were filled out, physical and mental tests were taken, and the Navy assured him he was a live candidate for enlistment. They further let him know that they had a waiting list of six months before he could be sworn in - Blaine was elated and accepted that delay. He immediately quit LDS Business College and went home to battle with his parents - this time though there was not much argument when the consent papers arrived. Evidently Grandpa Pectol had convinced them that this was the proper time. His parents signed the consent papers and encouraged him to return to school to wait out the six months. Within 10 days of the signing of the consent papers the Navy sent their orders for him to report to Salt Lake City immediately for enlistment now, not six months down the road. On 13 August 1940, he was sworn into the U. S. Navy. Another dream had come true. Little did he know what was ahead!
What a change in life style, from school boy and ice cream waiter, to three square meals a day, almost all expenses paid, $21.00 a month salary and a place to sleep, along with clothing being provided. Who could ask for more and he had only to hold up his hand and agree to an enlistment period of six
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Biography of Junius Blaine COVINGTON, Senior - Page 3
years. Of course, World War Two was raging in Europe but our country was not yet involved, so why worry. All is well! He had traveled to and from California once by automobile and once by bus - this day he would be travelling, the first time, by train and with a group of new Navy recruits, all heading for
the same place. What a cocky, boisterous, and loud bunch they were - all were heading for a new life and a new adventure.
The train departed Salt Lake City, Utah, on the afternoon of 13 August 1940, and arrived in the early morning at the Los Angles Railroad Station - there they had a short layover and then boarded the train for the trip down the Pacific Ocean Coast. The trip took several short hours and for most in his group it was the first time they had seen the ocean. It was a beautiful experience.
The train ride ended too abruptly. Upon arrival in San Diego the group was met by whistle blowing and belloring sailors from the U. S. Naval Training Center, along with military trucks to haul them and their personal items to the center. Most had thought they would at least be given a tour and look at San Diego - not so, they were herded aboard the trucks and whisked out of town so quickly that they hardly had time for a glance at the train depot, let alone the city.
In 1940 San Diego was a small town, with suburbs sprawled here and there. You traveled some distance to get from one to the other. The Naval Training Center was out on the edge of San Diego Bay, near Point Loma, with swamp lands all about and the Marine Corp Recruit Training Center adjoining. A fence and small lagoon separating the two places. It was a far out place and new recruits were not to visit the City for twelve weeks.
First responsibility, that afternoon was to shed their civilian clothes and valuables, like watches and rings, plus whatever cash they had with them. These items were shipped back to their parents. The next step was to have their hair clipped short, showered and assigned a bunk in one of the barracks in the isolation section of the Training Center. Next they were fed their first military meal, issued their military uniforms (I doubt any had seen so many clothes in their lifetime) and their drill rifle that they were to care for and carry with them for the next three months. The gate to the isolation unit had been closed, keeping them separate from the other recruits for three weeks. This was to keep them from spreading their germs to others in training. Wow, what a change!
"Boot Camp" (Recruit Camp) was a whole new way of life, of which Blaine's Dad thought he couldn't take because of his negative attitude around the family. It was a big surprise to all, and especially his family, when he became a Recruit Petty Officer (leader) in his company, #159-40, which consisted of 120 new recruits. This was the life he had wanted and now he was in his glory and loved every minute of it - including the drilling, the physical exercise, the shots that were injected, and the cleanliness of the atmosphere in which he now lived, even the early morning reville and learning how to take care of and wash his new issued uniforms. The twelve weeks in recruit training went by quickly. He was no longer a recruit but a "Salty" sailor, and his pay increased to $36.00 per month. School now awaited him and he was to be trained in office work and communications. School didn't start until January 1941, so ample time was given for the students to visit San Diego. During these days he learned to bowl, which became one of his hobbies for the rest of his life. Christmas time 1940 was spent with his family in Torrey. Military career details are written in his life history. An abbreviated list of assignments are highlighted herewith. Some details covering the next twenty years are listed on NOTE 4. Note that assignments are in reverse order. He did well in his military career and enjoyed each
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Biography of Junius Blaine COVINGTON, Senior - Page 4
assignment to the fullest - advancing in the enlisted ranks when eligible, advancing to Chief Petty Officer on I December 1943, just 39 months after his enlistment.
World War Two assignments carried him into combat areas where he earned combat ribbons and battle stars. Following that he served on active duty through the Korean conflict, earning additional combat ribbons - in all eleven.
The first six years of his military career went by in a hurry. In June 1946 he re-enlisted for two years, in anticipation of an assignment that would take him to China, a part of the Pacific he had not covered or seen during his recent combat experience. After re-enlisting, world conditions changed rapidly and his services were not required in China. He was instead assigned to recruiting duty in Helena, Montana.
The new assignment was much more to his liking as he had just met the beautiful girl of his dreams - Gretchen Louise COUSINS, an attractive young lady with long red hair, exciting to be with, full of pep and energy and only 22 years old. One thing held them up from being married immediately, she needed a divorce, this was quickly resolved - she went to Carson City, Nevada, and obtained the proper divorce. Her family wanted them to return to California and be married there. Blaine's family wanted them to come to Utah where they could be married by his Grandfather. They compromised. Blaine met her in Carson City and they were married by a local Pastor on 21 September 1946. No family members were present. The marriage they did not live to regret but not being fair to family members did leave an empty void in their lives, which they regretted. They were able to enjoy many years together, celebrating their FIFTIETH Anniversary in 1996. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake City, Utah, Temple on 4 November 1970. Four children were born to this marriage, called the "All American Family", because each, including the parents, were born in different localities. Blaine Sr., Torrey, Utah; the mother, Gretchen, Omaha, Nebraska; the four children in order of birth - Judy Elizabeth, 27 April 1948, at a local civilian hospital in Helena, Montana; Kathleen Louise, 15 March 1950, at the U. S. Army (Occupation) General Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; Junius Blaine Jr., 15 September 1954, at the U. S. Naval Training Center, Hospital, Bainbridge, Port Deposit, Maryland; Robert Allison, 9 June 1958, at the U. S. Naval Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland.
Following Blaine's retirement from the U. S. Navy on 6 June 1960 (another goal achieved), the family elected to return to Utah to establish their home. Gretchen would have like to have gone to California to live but always the willing wife she had a happy life in Utah, although separated from her sister, Doris, and childhood memories.
On 13 August 1960, a home was purchased at 4211 Annapolis Drive, then part of Salt Lake County Granger-Hunter District, now West Valley City, Utah. The family residence has remained the same up to this date.
With four children to raise and put through school, Blaine went to work as an Insurance Agent and Department Manager for Johnson-Anderson Mortgage/Agency Company taking care of insurance for those applying for mortgages. This was his first experience in civilian life and how things had changed since his boyhood days twenty years earlier. He continued in this business for the next eleven years and when the company moved their operation to Denver, Colorado, he removed himself from the insurance field and became Credit Manager for Olympus Glass Company. His civilian career came to an end in
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Biography of Junius Blaine COVINGTON, Senior - Page 5
1982. His 62nd birthday and 20 years in the civilian field qualified him for social security and he went into full retirement. Another goal achieved.
By 1982 the four children had grown up. Grandchildren were coming into the fold. Before he knew it, the grandchildren had grown up and Great Grandchildren were coming into the picture. From his four children there were now eleven grandchildren. Namely by age: Shannon, Jill, Justin, Buffy who died at birth, Misty, Ammie-Marcie the twins, Candice, Paige, Todd and Adam. At this writing four Great Grandchildren are now bouncing around. To Shannon we have Haley; to Jill two girls, Regan and Lauren; to Misty little McKayla. Up to this point it is a family of girls in the majority. With Blaine Jr's most recent marriage they do have another unadopted grandson Trevor HANSEN, claimed along with the rest. For more details on each family refer to family group sheets not attached.
Community service in church and other organizations have played an important part in his life. Most important have been his church callings, which has involved serving in many capacities as leader and teacher. He served in the Bishopric of the Academy Park First Ward as First Counselor, as a Temple Ordinance Worker in the Jordan River Temple, to name a few. Has been enrolled as a Boy Scout Leader since 1960. Served in many district and Council position such as District Chairman and District Commissioner in the Sunset Scouting District. He received his Woodbadge training at Shaver Lake, California, in 1965. Helped establish this program in the Great Salt Lake Council in 1967 - was an instructor in the course for three years. Is recipient of Council's Silver Beaver Award, which both he and his wife Gretchen received. Is a Lifetime member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers and served as President of the Oquirrh Mountain Chapter in 1991. (See "Personal Record" sheets attached for more details 4 pages marked as Note 5.)
Family heritage and the COVINGTON name, along with love for the LDS Church and the United States of America, and especially the understanding of the Lord and Savior and his teachings, have played an important part in his life. Blessings have continuously been poured upon his head, even during his rebellious years and for this he is eternally grateful. Life is full and overflowing. He has not sought riches but has been blessed with the daily needs and love of those around him. What more could be ask of life? Nothing!
With the death of his wife, Gretchen, on 13 January 1998, it had been supposed that his life would be lonesome and without reason to live on. It has been lonesome but life holds too many challenges to let go - things must be done and there are memories to be written. Rather than sit around and mope, life has been moving forward with a prayer for at least a short extension. Love of family, friends, and neighbors and the blessings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is what keeps things moving along.
(This biography has been written for the sole purpose of letting my family, immediate, past and future know how proud of them I am for their contribution to each of the societies they lived in.)
End of Biography
1 October 1998
Biography - Junius Blaine COVINGTON, Sr. - Note 1
Subject: Name
A name is very important in a person's life. Confusion can reign if a name gets mixed up as was mine.
When I was born my Mother wrote a post card to an Aunt in Siguard, Utah - "Blaine Gilbert was born on 16 November 1920." A Dr. Nelson, who was the attending physician or at least record keeper, turned in his report on 6 May 1922 to the Bureau of Vital Statistics, Salt Lake City, Utah, listed me as having been born on 15 November 1920, and given the name of "Junius Gilbert", after my Father, which would have made me a Jr.
All my life I had carried a nickname or had been called "Blaine". In 1940, when I joined the U. S. Navy, it was made known to me that I had to list my full name. Having never filed under a full name, except for my Social Security Number, I used the name "Junius Blaine", which evidently was used on all the church records by my family. From the Vital Statistics Bureau the Navy uncovered the "Junius Gilbert", and under their record keeping they recorded "Junius Gilbert Covington, commonly known as Junius Blaine Covington."
The State records were finally corrected to read "Junius Blaine Covington" in 1949. This was brought about and necessary when my wife, Gretchen, applied for a passport to Japan.
I have added this to my biography for clarification to my children who may at some time question my name or my son "Bud's" name. His is definitely "Junius Blaine Covington, :Jr., after me. I would have been honored to have carried my Father's name, "Junius Gilbert", had I been on the ball back in 1949. All his life, though, he was called "June" and I though that kind of girlish. All of my son's life he has been "Bud" and that's not bad.
END
FAMILY GROUP SHEET............
Period Covered 13 August 1940 through 6 June 1960
Junius B- Covington - Chief Yeoman, U. S. Navy (Retired) Note4-- Biography
RESUME OF MILITARY EXPERIENCE
General Qualifications based on experience over past 20 years.
Public Relations Specialist
Journalist
Script Writer
Instructor
Motion Picture Machine Operator
Administrative Office Manager
Office Manager
Chief Clerk
Post Office Clerk
Typist (60 WPM)
Stenographer
Teletypist
General Office Machine Operator (Duplicating, etc)
Personnel Office Manager
Employment Manager
Employment Interviewer
Personnel Manager
Vocational Advisor
Business Machine Operator (IBM)
Brief description of duties:
September 1957 - to present: Public Information Assistant to the Chief, Navy Press Desk, Department of Defense, Washington, D. C. In this capacity, I perform duties as a press officer, preparing news releases, speeches and fact sheets for release to news media representatives. As an official spokesman for the Navy and Department of Defense, I gather and provide information in answer to inquiries. This assignment requires daily contact with worldwide news media representatives, government agencies, and the general public.
December 1955 - August 1957: Administrative Secretary to Commander Carrier Division Seventeen; Supervisor of the administrative office and Flag Division Chief. Handled all personal correspondence and files for the Admiral. Supervised the over-all Flag office operations, administrative and personnel. As the senior chief petty officer on the Staff, I was responsible for the education and training program, welfare, and guidance of approximately 60 enlisted personnel.
16 of the 20 month5 spent on this assignment was aboard Carriers patrolling the coast of China, during the FORMOSA Crisis.
May 1952 - November 1955: Completed a 6-week course in instructor training. Then was assigned to duty as an instructor in the Navy's Personnel School (Recruit Procurement). Assisted in the establishment of the school as a training facility for the Navy. In this capacity assisted in the over all organization plan, the writing of the school curriculum, lesson plans and examinations. Qualified in teaching 32 subjects related to the procurement of personnel for naval service. These subjects, in general, included public speaking, radio script writing and broadcasting, fingerprinting, motion picture machine operations, public and community relations, and administrative subjects. In 1953 assumed duty as Instructor-Supervisor of the school, where I supervised the training of approximately 2,000 Navy recruiters. My duties also included the preparation and revisions of school curriculum, lesson plans and examinations, as well as handling all personnel and administrative matters pertaining to this training.
March 1951 - May 1952: Member of the pre-commissioning detail and ship's crew of a destroyer type vessel. As senior yeoman, assisted in the preparation of the basic internal organization of the ship. This involved interviewing and assignment of personnel to jobs best suited to their qualifications. The procurement of materials and the setting up of an office to handle all administrative reports and correspondence for the ship. Upon ship's commissioning was in charge of this office as supervisor, as such was responsible for the general administration of the ship; personnel records and reports; engineering department records and reports, and the inter-office training of enlisted personnel.
May 1950 - February 1951: Administrative Secretary to Commander, Fleet Activities, Yokosuka, Japan. As such was responsible for the personal correspondence and files of the Admiral. Duties at this activity also included that of Chief in Charge of the personnel office, supervising personnel administration (i.e. personnel accounting, classification, education and training programs for base personnel).
October 1949 - May 1950: Administrative Secretary to Commander, Naval Forces Far East, Tokyo, Japan. Responsible for the personal correspondence and files of the Admiral. In addition, was in charge of the administrative office, supervising Staff correspondence, reports, files and routine office matters.
February 1947 - September 1949: Attended a 6 week course in public relations and recruiting procedures, Completed an 80 hour 2 college level course in radio script writing and broadcasting. Assigned to the Montana Recruiting District with Headquarters at Helena, Montana. During the first year served as Chief in Charge of publicity - planning and administering campaigns to recruit personnel, prepared and delivered speeches to public gatherings, wrote and coordinated news stories, radio spot announcements, radio programs and general publicity within the District. Prepared and broadcast a weekly 15-minute radio program. Subsequently assigned as Chief in Charge of the Main Office, Helena, with responsibility for supervising the administrative program throughout the district, involving 15 recruiting sub-stations and 40 field personnel and 20 main office personnel at Helena. Responsible for supervising the preparation of administrative reports, record write-ups, correspondence and routine office matters for the officer in charge. Became a qualified Teletype operator while serving in this capacity.
January 1946 - February 1947: Administrative yeoman to Commander, Sub- Group TWO, San Diego Group, Pacific Reserve Fleet, San Diego, California. Responsible for the over-all supervision of the administrative office reports and correspondence pertaining to the inactivation of ships.
August 1943 - January 1946: Aboard a destroyer type vessel with same responsibilities as outlined for the period March 1951 - May 1952. Advanced to the rating of chief yeoman, December 1, 1943.
July 1942 - April 1943 - Personnel office supervisor on the Staff, Commandant, Fifteenth Naval District, Balboa, Canal Zone. Supervised the interviewing classification and assignment of enlisted personnel reporting to the District for duty. Advanced to rating of yeoman first class.
November 1940 - July 1942: U. S. Naval Training Center, San Diego California. Completed a 12-week basic course in administration, personnel and supply procedures. Assigned duty in the personnel office and worked on various types of personnel administration, including interviewing, testing and classification of personnel, personnel records and reports. Assisted in establishing one of the first IBM personnel accounting systems for the Navy and became thoroughly acquainted in the operation of the following equipment: tabulator, interpreter, reproducer and cardpunch. Advanced to rating of yeoman second class during this period.
Enlisted in U. S. Navy at Salt Lake City, Utah, August 13, 1940. Received basic recruit training at U. S. Naval Training Center, San Diego, California.
END OF MILITARY SERVICE
Following pages cover the 30 years span from 1960 to April 12, 1991,
9/1/98 PERSONAL RECORD) - (Note 5)
Name in full: Junius Blaine COVINGTON, Senior
Father's Name: Junius Gilbert COVINGTON
Mother's Name: Florence "A" PECTOL
When born: 15 November 1920 or maybe 16 November 1920 - 15th is recorded. 16th on family card
Where born: Torrey, Wayne County, Utah
When blessed: 2 January 1921 in the Torrey, LDS Ward
By whom: Ephraim Portman PECTOL (Grandfather)
Baptized by: Ephraim Portman PECTOL (Grandfather) Date: 21 July 1929
Confirmed by: Ephraim Portman PECTOL (Grandfather) Date 21 July 1929
Priesthood ordinations:
Office of Deacon by: Walter B. LEE Date: 22 January 1933
Office of Teacher by: Arthur Lee PIERCE Date. 24 January 1935
Office of Priest by: Sidney P. CLARK Date: 15 January 1939
Office of Elder by: Ephraim Portman PECTOL Date: 15 January 1943
Office of High Priest by: Eugene Willard PEARSON Date: 15 August 1971
All of the above ordinations were in the Torrey Ward, except Elder and that was at the Wayne County or Wayne Stake President's office at a ranch house out of Loa, Wayne County, Utah - High Priest Ordination was by President Eugene Willard Pearson at the North Kearns Stake House, Kearns, Salt Lake County, Utah.
Marriage
Married to: Gretchen Louise Cousins Date: 21 September 1946
Where Married: Carson City, Ormsby County, Nevada
Endowed in: Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah Date: 4 November 1970
Where Sealed: Salt Lake City Temple, Salt Lake County, Utah Date: 4 November 1970
To whom: Gretchen Louise COUSINS
Patriarchal blessing by: Eugene Willard Pearson Date: 13 April 1986
Departed for mission to: No mission
When returned: No mission
Special Appointments: None
When Died: Date: 13 November 1998 - Cottonwood Hospital, Murray Utah
When Buried: Date: 17 November 1998 - Memorial Estates Cemetery, West Jordan, Utah
Schools, church and other assignments to 1998
1. Elementary School: Torrey, Wayne County, Utah - grades one through eight over a nine-year period. Lack of school funds shortened the year I was in the eighth grade and I was one of those held back to repeat that grade. However, I had started school a year earlier than I was suppose to because of a November birthday.
2. High Schools: Wayne High School, Bicknell, Wayne County, Utah, grades nine and twelve. Vice President of graduating class 1939. Richfield High School, Richfield, Sevier County, Utah grades ten and eleven. Played varsity basketball and football both years.
3. College: Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, a business trade school for about three months, 1939. LDS Business College, Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, January thru July 1940.
Assignments:
1. Military: U. S. Navy from August 13, 1940 to June 6, 1960, 20 years continuous active duty. 1960 to July 1970 Fleet Reserve, (Inactive). Placed on full retirement July 1970 to present date.
2. Community: President of Academy Park Elementary School when it opened as a new school 1963.
President of the Oquirrh Mountain Chapter, Sons of the Utah Pioneers 1991, which I joined in 1989 and am a Lifetime Member.
PTA - member of local chapters in elementary, Junior High and High School until youngest son graduated from High School - some 12 years from 1963 through 1975.
Boy Scouts of America: As a Boy Scout from 1932 to 1938 as an adult leader from 1960 to present. Served in the Torrey Ward, Torrey, Wayne County, Utah, as a boy scout under the leadership of Jack Osborn, Scoutmaster.
District Chairman and Commissioner of the Sunset District: As an adult leader, served in almost every position within the jurisdiction of our local wards and stakes (i.e. Kearns North Stake - Kearns East Stake - Kearns 13th Ward - Kearns 17th Ward and Academy Park First Ward); Served in many positions in the local scouting districts of Copperhills, Wagon Wheel, Pony Express and Sunset.
Attended Woodbadge training at Shaver Lake, California in 1965 - assisted in establishing the same training for adult leaders in the Great Salt Lake Council in 1967 - served in the first three courses taught in 1967, 1968, 1969, at East Fork of the Bear scout camp, as an instructor.
Other training activities with the Great Salt Lake Council, in addition to training of leaders in Woodbadge, was being part of National program on "All Out for Scouting', their annual "Show and.
Do" where I served in teaching trail skills and out door cooking. With Gretchen, we worked as a team in promoting their annual "Scout-O-Rama and being part of the judging teams.
Was merit badge counselor in such things as Citizenship, Fingerprinting, Pioneering, Cooking and Camping - also served on Council Eagle Boards of Review when such was held at Headquarters, then later with the Districts Boards of Review.
Received District Award for those activities which was called the "Beehive Award' and also the Silver Beaver award from Council.
3. Church callings and assignments:
All of those assignments normally given to holders of the Aaronic Priesthood. While a Priest I was assigned to the Sunday School Presidency along with two other members of the Ward who were also Priests. Lack of Elders created the vacancy in the Torrey Ward for that one winter, thus the use of Priests.
From 1940 through 1960, while on active duty in the military, had few opportunities but did serve as a youth teacher in Norfolk, Virginia and as Branch Clerk at the branch we established in Yokosuka, Japan. The church was not readily available back in those days, and perhaps there was a lack of interest on my part to search out such locations. I regret that now.
(1) Member Explorer Committee, Kearns 13th Ward.
(2) Basketball Coach, Kearns 13th Ward, &- Academy Park 1sr Ward.
For the next few years, I was involved in Scouting Activities in District, Stake and Wards -
(1) Cub Scouting Chairman, 13th and 17th
(2) Scoutmaster in 13th and 17th Wards
(3) Stake Varsity Scout leaders " Kearns East Stake.
(4) Committee Members in all Ward units each year through 1998.
1971 Assistant Executive Secretary, Kearns North Stake and later as Stake Clerk over the Youth Programs for the men.
Instructor for Teacher Development in 13th, 17th and Academy Park First Wards at various times.
Member of High Priest Group Leaders for many years, in Academy Park First Ward.
Teacher in Gospel Doctrine Class and also High Priests in Academy Park First Ward as well as 17th.
President of Sunday School in Academy Park 1st Ward. Executive Secretary in Academy Park 1st Ward.
First Counselor in Bishopric, Academy Park 1st Ward from 26 May 1991 to September 11, 1994.
15 January 1985 through 20 August 1991 -Jordan River Temple As Ordnance Worker 15 January 1985 to 2 November 1989. And as an Assistant Supervisor of Ordnance Workers until 20 August 1991.
Much more should have been accomplished, especially in these past four years from 1994 thru 1998 but old age finally caught up with me. It's a fun time though as I have been busy writing our family history and doing genealogy research. My only regret is that my dear wife, Gretchen, couldn't be with me. She passed away 13 January 1998. Her help on these last year projects has been needed, especially as it pertains to her life and experiences.
END IT
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Covington Family 1921 - Florence and June with children LR LaBabe - Blaine |
Clarinetist Wayne High School Band 1939 Blaine Covington |
Christmas Time 1940 with parents LR Blaine - Florence - June |
Blaine - 1940 Blaine - 1943
The Pentagon
Elizabeth Aikin (Adams) Covington
Grandfather in the 1940's Grandmother in the 1940's
Dorothy Pectol
Pectol Sisters June & Florence Covington - in front of old home in
Torrey
Our Family Five Pectol Sisters - LR: Devona, Golda, Florence,
Leona Fontella 1975 Pectol's adopted son
My three Sisters
The dresser - at High School
Graduation - Blaine Covington
- 1939
Blaine - 1940
After Recruit Training
Blaine - Piped into retirement - 1960
John Thomas Covington my
Grandfather
my Grandmother
John Thomas COVINGTON Family Reunion - 1933 at the old ranch sight where
he was keeper of the sheep
United Order - near Orderville, Utah - Most family attended
Grandparents - Ephraim &
Dorothy Pectol - Wedding Date
Ephraim P. Pectol
June & His five sons
Blaine, Joe, Hal, Ted and Gene - 1943
Grandfather Pectol and four of his five son-in-laws: June
Covington, Claude Holt, Steiner Busk, Loren Webster
Blaine & Gretchen
Honeymooners in Torrey, Utah
Civil War Battlegrounds, Falls Church, VA
LR Me, Robert, Sugar, Kathy, Bud, Judy
1959
Blaine
Silver Beaver Recipient
1971
Blaine & Gretchen Covington
1960's
16 August 1988
Kathy's Wedding, Blaine &
Gretchen
1991 - Release from Jordan
River Temple
LR Robert, Judy, Bud, Gretchen, Kathy and me in
front
Ephraim (Behunin) Pectol
Blaine - Life Time Membership,
Sons of Utah Pioneers from 1989
Bishopric - Academy Park First Ward,
West Valley City, UT Blaine first
Counselor, Bishop Solomon, Barry Hatch
second counselor
Blaine - Woodbadge Shaver
Lake California 1965
At Hal's cabin - preparing
food for company party
Blaine, Hal and the gang
Dorothy Burlene., Betty Dee, Florence
LaBabeBlaine the Hunter and big buck - 1970's
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| Blaine Duck Hunt 1945 | Blaine & Gretchen Scouting Awards 1974 |
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| All eight by age - LaBabe, Blaine, Betty, Joe, Hal Bunny, Ted and Gene |
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Five Brothers LR - Ted, Joe, Me, Gene & Hal |
At the Camp sight - Singletree 1987 LaBabe Rent, Blaine & Gretchen |
