Obituaries

John Kenneth Harvey, 85, of Sherman, passed away into the care of his Lord and Savior Monday, December 1, 2014, at The Homestead of Sherman. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 5, 2014, with Rev. James Eckelkamp officiating. Interment with military honors will follow immediately afterward in West Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends in the Dannel Chapel beginning one hour prior to the service. Mr. Harvey was born October 27, 1929, in Gray, PA, to Thomas L. and Stella Eltman Harvey. He graduated high school in Somerset, PA. Soon after graduation, he joined the United States Air Force. During his four years of active duty, he served one tour in Korea. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. After leaving active duty, John devoted the remainder of his career to civil service. He worked at Perrin Air Force Base for fourteen years in the telecommunications branch. He also worked for the General Services Administration in Fort Worth as a supervisor of the Teletype and Crypto Center. He also served as Associate Scoutmaster for fourteen years with Troops 36 and 7 in Sherman. On June 2, 1950, John married Nancy Ross in Sherman, TX. They enjoyed over 56 years together before Nancy's death in 2007. John was the last family member of his branch of the Harvey family which originated in England and later went to Scotland before immigration to the United States. Mr. Harvey was a longtime member of Fairview Baptist Church, where he served in various ministries. He especially enjoyed assisting with the Wednesday night fellowship meal. John never lost the love of his home state of Pennsylvania. He made many trips through the years to see family and friends. He attended many high school and family reunions. He always joked with others that he was still a 'Yankee' even though he lived in Texas most of his life. John was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Nancy, son Stephen, one brother Robert Harvey and one sister, Helen Clinger. He is survived by his daughter Pamela Greene and husband John (Eddie), of Rowlett, TX; a sister Jacqueline Barnett of Somerset, PA, one niece, nephews and cousins. Special appreciation must be offered to the following, for their personal attention, compassion and care of Mr. Harvey in his later years: the staff and caregivers of The Willows Assisted Living Center, nurses and caregivers of the Caring Hearts Home Health of Denison, staff and caregivers at the Homestead of Sherman, especially Denise, and the staff and caregivers of Guardian Hospice of Sherman, especially Natalie. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, or the youth ministry of Fairview Baptist Church in Sherman.