Joe Talmage Covington

Joe Talmage Covington, II passed away, September 8, 2015 at home. Joe lived life to the fullest during the 65 years he spent hanging out here on earth. He was known as Master Sifu, Joe, Little Joe, Joey, Jose & Talmage among other endearing names. Joe was born in Butte, Montana on June 21, 1950 to young parents Joe & Betty. He was their second child, followed seven minutes later by their third! Already a little & big brother at 7 minutes old! Joe & his family left Butte, Montana in 1951, & he spent his preschool, kindergarten & first grade time in various places in the Torrey & Salt Lake City, Utah areas & in northern California. From 1956 through 1958 he split his time between northern California & Mesa, Arizona. He lived in Mesa from 1958 until 1966. He attended Lowell Elementary, East Junior High & Mesa High School. During this time he earned his Eagle Scout ranking. Joe moved to Boulder, Utah, in 1967 & graduated from Escalante High School in 1968. Following his graduation from high school, Joe served in the Army, Special Forces,& completed a tour in Viet Nam. When he returned, he completed his college education & graduated with a degree in Communications from Southern Utah University. Following graduation he worked in the publishing and cattle industries. Over the years did groundbreaking work as a geneticist and embryologist in the cattle industry in partnership with his father, “Big Joe”. Joe also took up martial arts, which he continued throughout his life, teaching many students over the years. Despite becoming a quadriplegic in an auto accident in 1981, he continued by teaching martial arts, & more recently earned his 7th Degree Black Belt, Malamalua, & Associate Doctorate of Arts. Many of Joe’s students received international recognition in the martial arts, & others have gone on to teach & establish their own martial arts schools, carrying on the tradition. Those who passed away before Joe: Father, “Big Joe”, Joe Talmage Covington, I, & beloved Stepmother, Charlotte Covington. Stepmother, Mildred (Mickey) Merrill Covington also passed away earlier. Joe is survived by many family & friends, including: Children: Son, Cy (Olivia) Oresman & daughter Krystal (James) Simmons, & several grandchildren. Mother: Betty Lou Jones Tomlinson Siblings: Jodi (Steve) Nielsen, June (Don Lindsey) Covington (Joe’s twin), Dirk (Sandra) Correnti, Paloma (Gary) Roberts, & Bret Correnti. He also leaves behind numerous nieces & nephews, & grandnieces & grandnephews. The Military Honor Guard will meet us at Loa Cemetery on Saturday Sept 26th 2015 at 12 Noon (that sounds like a good cowboy time) to salute Joe Talmage Covington II Bring your favorite dessert and your favorite story about Joe to share at his celebration of his life. Saturday,Sept 26, 2015 at South Mountain 1st Ward's cultural hall 607 East Rocky Mouth Lane Draper, UT 84020 from 7PM-9PM. Joe had many others in his life he considered family, who also considered him family, as well as mentor, sifu, & brother. Thank you all for your caring & love! ~ Joe’s Family