Obituary - Chester Lee Covington

Chester Lee Covington passed away Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, at Big Sky Senior Living in Butte.

He was born in New Raymer, Colorado, Sept. 6, 1925, to Chester Melvin and Vera Mary (Speed) Covington.

Lee served in the United States Navy and Air Corp during World War II, went to inactive service in 1945 and was honorably discharged in June 1947. On Sept. 14 of that same year he married his high school sweetheart, Bonita "Bonnie" Marie Kilzner.

Lee graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical and civil engineering. He was a varsity letterman in cross country, track and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He was a licensed professional engineer and land surveyor.

After his graduation in 1948, he and Bonnie moved to Dallas, Texas, then to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he worked as a field engineer with Western Union for a year. The couple moved back to Wyoming where in 1950 he earned a degree in civil engineering.

The family lived in various places in Wyoming where Lee worked as a hydraulic engineer for the U.S. Geological Survey. The couple moved their family to Helena, Montana, in 1953 where they started a 35-year career with Montana Power. They were transferred six times, starting as engineer in Helena and retiring April 1, 1988 as manager of division operations and budget in the general office in Butte. While in Havre, Lee was president of the Lions Club and the Havre Blue Pony Booster Club. He was also on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and a member of the Elks Lodge. He was vice-president of the Lewistown Art Center, a member of the Rotary Club and the Elks as well as the Board of Adjustments. In Butte he was a member of the Exchange Club and the Elks, and he received an honorary life membership to the Northwest Electric Light and Power Association in 1988.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 57 years, Bonnie; a son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Ila Covington; brother, Dwight Covington; and sister, Patricia Jensen.

He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, David and Barbara Covington of Missoula; Robert and Mary Covington of Fairmont Hot Springs, and Todd and and Katherine Covington of Springfield, Oregon; grandchildren, Shannon Covington, Somer Gardner, Brittney Snyder, Greg and Jennifer Springer; and great-grandchildren, Everson Wetzel, Cameron and Troy Springer, Preston Covington and Gabriel Snyder.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be conducted Friday, Jan. 9, at 11 a.m. in Wayrynen-Richards Funeral Home in Butte with Pastor David Andersen officiating. Interment of ashes will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Shrine Hospital for Children.