TITLE: In memory of Duke Matthews Covert.

SUMMARY: In memory of Duke Matthews Covert.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas honors and commemorates the life of Duke Matthews Covert, an esteemed member of the Austin community, who died December 22, 2020, at the age of 74; and WHEREAS, Duke Covert was born on August 15, 1946; he grew up in Austin and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School, where he was a standout athlete; he attended Texas Christian University on a football scholarship before transferring to The University of Texas at Austin, where he was a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and earned a degree in finance; and WHEREAS, Duke married Lynne Shapiro on February 1, 1969, and they were blessed with more than five decades together; they were also blessed with three daughters, Courtney Covert Elliott, Kacy Covert Tolleson, and Kimberley Covert Robinson, and with 10 grandchildren, who were a source of much pride and joy for him; and WHEREAS, As a youth, Mr. Covert spent time during summers and weekends helping his father in the family's automobile dealership, which was established by his great-grandfather in 1909; he joined the business full-time as an adult, and he worked alongside his brothers Danay and Rox to expand the business and to make it one of the largest family-owned dealerships in the state; and WHEREAS, A devoted Christian who was guided by his faith in his daily life, Duke was a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd; he was grateful for the many rewards he had been blessed with, and he took great pleasure in sharing those gifts by providing opportunities for others and by serving as a mentor to many young people; and WHEREAS, A man of courage, wisdom, and generosity, he gave unselfishly to others, and his enthusiasm for living each day to the fullest will long be a source of inspiration to those who were privileged to share in his life; and WHEREAS, He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind memories that will be cherished forever by his family and countless friends; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 87th Legislature, hereby extend sincere condolences to the bereaved family of Duke Matthews Covert; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for his family as an expression of deepest sympathy from the Texas Senate and that when the Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Duke Covert. Eckhardt President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 26, 2021, by a rising vote.