Michael Frank Covert

Mike Covert passed away on March 30 after a five-year battle with metastatic cancer. Diagnosed and given six months to live in 2020, Mike persevered and was able to see his first granddaughter born and spend time with his grandsons.

Born in Meridian, Mike went to Meridian High School, where he managed both the football and basketball teams and served as Class President his senior year. Upon graduating from MHS, he attended Millsaps College, where he was selected for the leadership honor society, Omicron Delta Kappa. He then enlisted in the Mississippi Air National Guard.

After completing his service in the Guard, Mike worked at his father’s business, Dan Covert Construction, and eventually opened his own business, Mike Covert Construction. In 1978, he married Janice Rogers, and they raised two children. In his later years, he became a full-time ‘master negotiator’ – a consultant, advising on just about everything.

Those who knew Mike will remember him for his unwavering commitment to spreading kindness to everyone he encountered. Mike found joy in helping others and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in his wide circle of friends. His warm personality drew people to him, as did Mike’s knack for humor and ability to captivate an audience. He was passionate about politics and spent much of his life delighting the children of First Baptist Church as the resident “Candy Man.”

Mike had a special gift for bonding with people from all walks of life.  Although he was educated and intelligent, knowledgeable about the Bible, politics, and world affairs, he was able to relate to laborers as well as to lawyers.  A big man, Mike was never overbearing, intimidating, or condescending.  He always acted with kindness and love.  He lived according to Jesus’ model of ‘servant leadership.’

Mike is survived by his wife, Janice Covert; daughter, Mary Kathryn (Michael) Steel and son, Richard (Ginger) Covert; grandchildren, Anderson and Eloise Steel, and Blake and Duncan (Holly) Covert; and brother David Covert, as well as a host of Covert cousins.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Robert Barham Family Funeral Home. A graveside service will begin at 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Magnolia Cemetery, if weather does not permit, the service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

Donations may be made to Children’s of Mississippi, formerly known as Blair E. Batson, where Mike worked while in college, First Baptist Church Meridian, and Tunnel to Towers Foundation in lieu of floral offerings.

Pallbearers include Steve Parker, Shot Sikes, Kelly Swain, Phil Hull, Greg Sullivan, Dr. Willie Greer, James Lide, and Phillip Price. Honorary pallbearers include Hilry Shirley, Jimmy Prince, Earl Moore, Dr. Tom Hudson, and Dr. John Voss.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.