It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles Ray Covington, fondly known as Chuck, a cherished father, husband, brother, and friend, who left this world on November 27, 2025, at the age of 59. Born on December 13, 1965, in Salina, Kansas, Charles was a proud member of the United States Marines, carrying the spirit of “Semper Fi” throughout his life.
Charles was the son of John and Dixie Covington, who instilled in him values of hard work and determination. He led a life that was as colorful as it was meaningful, with an extensive career that showcased his many talents. He was a jack of all trades, having worked as a writer, designed elevator replacement parts for Habco, and contributed to the design of busses for El Dorado. One of his proudest achievements was helping create a rear engine school bus alongside John Nemo in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. His education at Salina Vo-Tech, where he earned a degree in Computer Aided Drafting (Auto Cad), laid the foundation for his diverse skill set.
Charles was married to Kathleen Metcalf on September 6, 1988, in Salina, Kansas. Though they had been separated as friends for the past 24 years, their bond as co-parents and partners in life remained strong through their shared dedication to their family. Together, they raised 2 wonderful daughters, Krista and April and a son, Justin. He was also the proud owner of his beloved African Grey Parrot Tesla.
He was a proud grandfather to ten grandchildren: Terrence, Jake, Kahmya, Rakeyah, Aidan, Cooper, Cataleya, Jadyn, Rylee, and Kira, and was delighted to have recently become a great-grandfather to Riggs. Charles had a special gift for storytelling, often captivating his grandchildren with tales that reflected his quick wit and enormous intelligence. His sarcastic and crass outlook on life made him both memorable and entertaining, often leaving those around him laughing or shaking their heads in disbelief.
He is preceded in death by his dear sisters Nicole Covington and Tammy Ingram. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, his daughters Krista and April (Nick) and son Justin (Sylvia) and his bird Tesla. He also leaves behind his siblings: sister Marcenda Baker and brothers from another mother Shane Price, Terel Johnson, and Darren Cloyd. He was a proud uncle to nephews Griffyn Vaughn and wife Sandra, Logan Wright, Cody Baker, and Conner Baker, as well as his niece Courtney Baker.
In addition to his extensive family ties, Charles had a wide array of hobbies that provided him joy throughout his life. He was passionate about jewelry making and had a unique talent for crafting swords and knives from ordinary spoons and other materials. A poet at heart, some of his work was published, and he found solace in writing that expressed his thoughts and experiences. Music was another love of his, and he appreciated the rhythm and melody of tunes from all genres.
Charles’s life was not without struggles, but he navigated them with resilience and a matter-of-fact attitude that often drew both admiration and exasperation from those around him. He had an extraordinary gift for making people think and feel deeply, often through his blunt commentary and humor.
The come and go memorial service for Charles Ray Covington will be held on December 13, 2025, from 4 pm to 6 pm. at Ryan Mortuary in Salina, KS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St., Salina, KS, in his memory.
As we say goodbye, we celebrate the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of creativity, family, and the indelible mark he made on the lives of those who loved him. Rest in peace, Dad; you are no longer burdened by the pain and demons this life brought you. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
