Russell D. Covey, 91

Russell D. Covey died of heart failure on Jan. 14, 2014, in Kalispell.

Russell was born Dec. 31,1922, in Missoula to Harry L. and Ava L. Covey. He attended the original Lincoln Elementary School and graduated from Missoula County High School.

After graduation he attended Kinman Business College in Spokane and aviation ground school in Missoula. He joined the U.S. Army Air Force and became an air crewman on the B-17 aircraft.

In 1946 he entered the retail furniture business and was active in that business in Missoula for 30 years. In 1975, the business was sold and Russell retired to manage his personal affairs and enjoy retirement. He relocated to Reno, Nev., in 1989, and lived there until 2013 when he moved to Kalispell for health reasons.

Russell was an active pilot for many years and enjoyed boating, RVing and traveling. He was a life member of the Missoula Elks Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Mary; and a brother, Harry. Survivors include a brother, William Covey, and his wife, Gene, in Kalispell; and many nieces and nephews.

A private burial will take place in the Missoula City Cemetery, followed by a memorial service in May in Missoula.

Memorials may be in the form of donations to your favorite charity.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.