Robert Dean Harvey

Robert "Bob" Dean Harvey, 84, of Sedalia, MO, passed away Saturday, January 8, 2022, at Sylvia G. Thompson Residence Center in Sedalia. He was born in a farmhouse on the Hughesville Route in rural Pettis County, MO on September 3, 1937. He was the youngest of four children born to Paul Harvey and Beulah (Bratton) Harvey. On June 8, 1956, in Clinton, MO, he was united in marriage to Lelah Ann Geotz, who continues to reside in their home in Sedalia. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last year.

The Harvey family moved several times before settling on a farm in Walnut Grove where Bob attended school from the 1st through 8th grades. In 1955, he graduated from Smith-Cotton High School and soon joined the United States Naval Reserve. After 20 years of distinguished active-duty service, he retired on 7-7-1977 and transferred into the Fleet Reserve. He remained a member of the Fleet Reserve Association throughout his life. Bob was a proud American and instilled those values in his family.

After retirement from the Navy, Bob worked for a number of years with the Maintenance Department at the Bothwell Regional Health Center before retiring.

Bob loved the Lord and was a member of Parkview Christian Church. He often volunteered his time to drive the church bus, served meals at the Sedalia Senior Center, and was involved with Meals on Wheels.

He enjoyed auctions and antiquing, “tolerated garage sales,” watched the Hallmark Movie Channel, and collected Minneapolis Moline tractors and memorabilia. If he knew you collected something, he’d help add to your collection.

Bob was a quiet man, but all who knew him agreed that he had twinkling eyes paired with a mischievous grin and a matching funny story. His family would say he was ornery much like his brother.

Survivors include his wife Lelah Harvey and their three children: daughter Janet Harvey Alley (Rick) of Overland Park, KS; son Robert Alan Harvey (Betsy) of Centerview, MO; and, son Scott David Harvey (Nancy) of Lenexa, KS. Surviving grandchildren include granddaughters Emily Alley (Nathan West), Jessica Harvey and Nicole Harvey; and grandson Robert Jordan Alley (Stephanie). Also surviving is great granddaughter Violet Alley; his sister Anna Lee Harvey Bail of Sedalia; and numerous beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Paul Harvey and Beulah Harvey Richards; his brother Harold "Red" Harvey; sister Ruth "Babe" Ray; and great grandson George Robert Alley.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at Parkview Christian Church on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads Hospice and Palliative Care, 14310 E 42nd St. South, Independence, MO 64055 or Parkview Christian Church, 1405 E 16th St., Sedalia, MO 65301.