Orville Harvey Myers Jr.

Harvey passed away peacefully in his sleep after a brief hospitalization, during which time he was surrounded by his family. He was born in the Bend, Oklahoma to Orville Harvey and Julia Elizabeth Myers and grew up with 5 brothers (Doug, Travis, Tracey, Troy, and Basil) and 2 sisters (Audrey and Gilda). Harvey finished his high school diploma after serving in the Army in World War II, where he was stationed in the Philippines. He married the love of his life, Patricia Chance, on October 28, 1951. Over the next 9 years, they welcomed 4 children. Harvey showed his devotion to his family through his hard work, abundant love, and unfailing support. He served the community as he delivered the mail and a few other items for people in need (along with Chicklets for the kids) for 40 years and raised cattle on “The Farm”. In addition, Harvey served as a member of the Ralston School Board and was a longstanding deacon of the First Baptist Church of Ralston. After retirement, he and Patsy shared their woodworking and painting talents as they handcrafted rocking chairs, child tables, and other special gifts for many children to enjoy. Their joy was in giving of their time, their talents and their treasure to others whose needs they perceived exceeded their own. The needs of others always came first because “to whom much is given, much is expected,”

To his family and to all who knew him, he leaves a legacy of impeccable integrity, nonjudgmental acceptance, humility, hope, love, forgiveness, and never-ending service to others anchored by his faith. He extended that legacy to his 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren who he absolutely adored. Even in his final years, as he endured the scars and severe chronic pain from catastrophic trauma and failing health, he continually inspired each of us with graciousness and endurance. His affable personality and smile never dimmed. While living in unbearable pain, he showed us that faith and hope conquers all. Even when a stroke temporarily robbed him of the ability to verbalize, his nonverbals were powerful conveyors of his messages. His smiling eyes, that grin or chuckle conveyed everything we needed to know. Throughout his last years he remained the inspirational and influential cornerstone of his family.

Harvey is survived by his wife Patsy and their 4 children: Harvey Brent and wife Linda (Stillwater), Kevin and wife Susan (Waynesboro, TN), Robin and friend Cathy who has become like a daughter to them (Louisville, KY), and Bruce (Guthrie). His grandchildren: Moriah (Danny), Ryan (Courtney), Michelle (Rian), Nicholas (Kala), Stacy (Michael), and Julia. His great-grandchildren: Corey and Conner; Caroline, Emma, and Annie; Colby and Brooklyn; Seth and Maddox; and Jackson. Just a week before his passing, he was thrilled to learn that Colby and Brooklyn would welcome a new baby brother or sister, his 11th great grandchild, in the Fall. He is also survived by Travis, his 97-year-old brother.

We all grieve, not as those who have no hope, but as those who will miss the walks and talks with a gentle giant, a loving and faithful servant of God. His legacy will live on through all of us. We will not forget the value of simple acts of kindness; saying “thank you”, greeting others with a warm smile, and doing unto others as you would have them do unto you. Though we adored him, we are at peace because he is at last free of the encumbrances of the body and we know he rejoices in Heaven where he is rejoined with his devoted, hardworking and charitable Dad and with his loving and gracious mama whose faith guided him throughout his life.