Howard W. Cover, a.k.a. “Papa” or “Cedric” Cover, age 78, of Mount Gilead, died early Tuesday morning, March 29, 2011, at his residence surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness.
On June 28, 1932, Howard was born in Morrow County, Ohio, the son of the late Earl and Janet (Garverick) Cover.
He graduated from Johnsville High School in the Class of 1950, where he greatly appreciated playing six man football and basketball.
During high school and after he graduated, Howard painted homes with Lowell Rhinehart for several years until he drafted to join the U.S. Army in February of 1954. He served his beloved country by running our ammunition depot in Hiroshima, Japan. After serving for three years and being honorably discharged, he returned home to be with his family.
Shortly before joining the military, Howard had been frequenting the local hangout, which was the grocery store in Waterford, that was run by Echols and Mae Gadd. Despite being very intimidated by the size and stature of Mr. Gadd, Howard still asked if he could take their daughter, Garnet, on a date. The father did allow it, but only on his terms, and Howard and Garnet’s relationship would only blossom from there. Soon after joining the military, Howard took a brief leave from duty to return home to marry Garnet, on July 9, 1954, in the Waterford Church of Christ. Together they have shared many bumps in the road during their fifty six years of marriage, nevertheless they had cherished every moment along the way.
After returning from the military, Howard found work with the Dura-Bilt Corporation in , where he worked for several years in their shipping department. Then, he worked at H.P.M. as a machinist and at the Mount Gilead post office as their custodian and assistant carrier, until he and Garnet bought the local hardware store from Bill Hildebrand in 1974. They renamed Bill’s Hardware Store, the Mount Gilead Hardware store, which quickly became a family affair, and they enjoyed helping the people of Morrow County for over twenty years. Howard firmly believed in doing anything he could to help a person in need, and to do so he would go as far as selling only one screw or one washer if it would help that person. He even would loan things out, rather than sell them if he thought they needed help. A proud veteran, Howard also believed in only buying American made products, which became harder and harder to find in the 1990’s.
Before closing the hardware store, Howard wanted to keep busy so he and Garnet then bought Hartman Leather from Steve and Karen Hartman. He enjoyed making “hand-made” belts for over ten years up until he was no longer able due to his illness. While making belts, he also worked year round at the Bent Tree Golf Course in Sunbury, mowing all of the rough at the golf course. There he was affectionately known as “Papa” to everyone, and he would spend most of every day making sure the grass all of the course was the perfect length.
Known for “being as ornery as the devil,” Howard had a witty and dry sense of humor that always kept you laughing and on your toes. He was “constantly playing practical jokes on everyone,” and he loved teasing his beloved family and friends. In addition to being ornery, Howard was also extremely opinionated, and he took pride in making sure everyone knew exactly where he stood on every issue.
An avid collector, Howard found joy in searching far and wide to find new treasures for his collection.
Despite working on a golf course and loving the game, Howard still managed to lack having any “golf etiquette.” To name a few of his golfing faux pas, he was notorious for talking mid swing and hitting “practice shot after practice shot” even if people were waiting behind him on the course.
Having a knack at painting, Howard painted many beautiful paintings and signed them with his other alias “Cedric”. Consistent with his generous nature and everything else he did, “Cedric” would gladly give his paintings away to anyone who wanted them.
The proudest of grandfathers, if Howard’s grandchildren were doing something you could count on it that they would be there! He deeply loved his grandchildren, of course in his own unique way.
He will be dearly missed by his wife, Garnet Cover; four children: Lorri (Chad) Richards, Michael Cover, all three of Mount Gilead, Heidi (Mike) Springer of Marietta, and Jerry (Sharlet) Cover of Brentwood, TN; eight grandchildren: Ashley (James) Twedt, Derek Pleiman, Kiona and Cody, Mike Springer III, Kristen (Colin) Alred, and Brittney and Victoria Cover; three great-grandchildren: Joel Cedric, and Mia and Gabi Twedt; two brothers: Gary (Joan) Cover of Mansfield, and John (Carol) Cover of Jekyll Island, GA; a sister, June DiMeolo of Chardon; and many dear friends.
Including his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his grandparents: Clint and Nannie Cover, and Homer and Ona Garverick, whom he had a special relationship with; and by his brother-in-law, James DiMeolo.
To the Cover family it only seems fitting to greet friends on April Fool’s Day, because that is what their jokester Howard would want. Friends may call on the family from 4 – 7 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2011, at the Snyder Funeral Home, 76 S. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services honoring his life and character will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the graveside in North Fork Cemetery on County Rd. 22 (Waterford) in Fredericktown, with Pastor Steve Kisler officiating.
Rather than flowers, his family requests memorial contributions be made to the Howard Cover Education Fund, to help pay for his grandchildren Cody and Kiona’s education. They may be sent to First Federal Bank, 70 N. Main St., Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338.
For those wishing to express their private condolences to Howard’s family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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