EARL L. COVAULT JR., 90, passed on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022, at home with family at his side. He was the son of the late Earl L. Covault Sr. and Lucille Saline (Johnson) Covault Salas. Earl served his country as Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army during the Korean War in 1952. Upon his honorable discharge, Earl joined the Fort Wayne Police Department, where he ultimately achieved the rank of Senior Captain. After 21 years as a police officer, Earl worked as an investigator for Allen County Juvenile and Adult Probation departments, retiring in 2012 at 80 years old.
Earl married his high school sweetheart Erlene J. Jensen on March 20, 1954. He was a life-long member of Salem United Church of Christ where he sang in the choir. Earl enjoyed wood working, traveling, and music; (especially big band, musicals, and Flamenco guitars). He was former captain of the Fort Wayne Police Pistol Team and achieved the designation of “Outdoor Pistol Expert.” He had a passion for model trains and airplanes – even obtaining his private pilot’s license. He was a subscriber of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and it was a treasured tradition that he and Erlene took their grandchildren and great-grandchildren to the Holiday Pops every year. His commitment to service led him to be Past President of the Fort Wayne Police Department Federal Credit Union and Past President of the Fort Wayne Police Department Merit Commission. Earl was a member of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 14; Home Masonic Lodge 342; American Legion Post 499; and Scottish Rite.
Surviving are his daughter, Kathy (Scott) Foltz; grandchildren, Amanda Foltz Roos and Joseph (Sierra) Foltz; and great-grandchildren, Chloe, Tyler and Lucille. Earl was also preceded in death by his lovely wife of 63 years, Erlene, in 2017; and a sister, Marcile Jordan. Service is 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 14, 2022, at Salem United Church of Christ, 2401 Lake Ave., with calling one hour prior to service. Calling also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Ave. Burial in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be made to the Salem United Church of Christ or to Shepherd’s House. Arrangements by D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.mccombandsons.com
Earl’s picture is included in the legacy photo above the Join POPAI membership link on our home page.