Robert Harvey

Robert George Harvey, 73 passed away surrounded by family at The Hospitals of Providence Transmountain, El Paso, TX on May 14, 2022. Bob was born on August 26,1948 in Mt. Vernon, NY to Brigadier George and Faith (nee Malpass) Harvey. His elementary years were spent in North Arlington, NJ. He graduated from Withrow High School in Cincinatti, OH His parents and family were very active in the Salvation Army. Bob was a decorated veteran who served in the Army during the Vietnam War. After serving in Vietnam, Bob was stationed in Germany for several years then served another sixteen years in the Air Force Reserves. He studied Asian history and graduated from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA where he was a proud member of the Duquesne University Veteran's Association (DUVA and their one time gazoo band). His Air Force Reserve unit was activated during Desert Storm. Bob was very proud of his military service.

After moving to KS, Bob started working in Health Care Administration. He was a Fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives. When Bob wasn't working, he had a passion for enjoying warm Caribbean cruises where he could soak up the sun on sandy beaches with his beautiful bride Joan so much that they went floating over 25 times. He loved music of all genres especially Celtic, Jimmy Buffett, the Les Miserables soundtrack, and the Forrest Gump soundtrack. A favorite quote Bob often borrowed from Jimmy Buffett was ‘I'm growing older, but not up’. After retirement from Lawrence Memorial Hospital he enjoyed relaxing on the patio, grilling pork tenderloins, having a Coors Lite or two and listening to tunes because it's five o'clock somewhere. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas University Jayhawks basketball fan.

Bob was predeceased by his parents. Bob is survived by his wife Joan, nee Bittle, of El Paso, his children Derek, Maureen and Ian Harvey (and their mother Kathy Bosaw) of KS, step daughter Allison (Zach) McGinnis, El Paso, TX. Also surviving are his sister Virginia (Carl) Shotter of NJ, his brother Richard (Darlene) Harvey of Ohio and Sister-in-law Jean Waeltz, IL several grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Bob had a special group of veteran friends that meet every Friday afternoons in Lawrence for happy hour. He treasured those Fridays. He leaves many special friends who will miss his sense of humor, his true friendship, and his daily serious and silly Facebook posts.

Interment of remains will be held at Ft. Leavenworth National Cemetery, KS on July 8, 2022 at 1:30 pm for family and close friends. A Celebration of Life will be held later that afternoon at Arterra Event Center, Lawrence, KS starting at 3:30.

Memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics, The Gary Sinise Foundation, or the Salvation Army.