Vernon D. Harvey

Vernon D. Harvey

Vernon D. Harvey of Gallipolis, Ohio entered the presence of his Lord on Feb. 19, 2026 at Holzer Medical Center Gallipolis.

Vernon was born in the small community of Streeter, West Virginia on Mar. 6, 1927. He was the oldest of seven children born to Wade Vernon Harvey and Bessie Faye Pack Harvey.

Vernon married Lottie Mae Lindsay in 1951. They celebrated their 74th anniversary in August 2025.

In addition to his wife, Lottie Mae Lindsay Harvey, he is survived by his sister Janice A. Cales (Tinker), sons Jeffrey Mark (Sharon) Harvey and Bradley M. (Kim) Harvey; grandchildren Nathan (Chloe Houck) Harvey, Matthew Harvey, Chase Harvey, Tessa Harvey, Kevin (Alicia) Ihle, and Kim (Jesse) McKendree; and great-grandchildren Caleb Harvey, Colbie Harvey, Will Harvey, Elise McKendree, Liam McKendree, Elle Ihle, Charlie Haney, and Landon Woods; Sister-in-laws Janice Harvey and Glenna Harvey and many nephews and nieces.

He will also be missed by Kitty Marie, whom he professed to dislike but would have been lost without.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Charles, Gene, John, and Leroy; his sister Carol Gregory; and stillborn twin daughters Elisabeth and Deborah.

Vernon attended a one-room school and did homework by the light of a kerosene lamp. His family were farmers, millers, and worked in the timber industry.

In July 1945 he was inducted into the US Army Air Corp. World War II had ended in Europe two months earlier, but combat continued in the Pacific. He was in training in California when Japan surrendered in September.

After his discharge from the military, Vernon joined his brother John to form a bluegrass ensemble that performed locally and on the radio. John played the guitar and sang; Vernon sang and played mandolin.

The GI Bill helped pay for flying lessons, allowing Vernon to become a licensed airplane pilot.

A talented mechanic and automobile body man, Vernon made his living that way in the early years of his marriage. Then he and Lottie moved their young family to Point Pleasant, West Virginia in 1958 so he could begin work at the Kaiser Aluminum and Chemical Corporation Ravenswood works. He retired from Kaiser as a Maintenance Mill Wright after 35 years of service.

In 1968 the family moved one last time from Point Pleasant to a house they had built outside of Gallipolis, Ohio in the community of Centenary. That would still be their home at his death 58 years later.

Despite all this, if you were to ask Vernon what was most important, he would tell you that it was his relationship with Jesus Christ. He was a committed follower of Christ for nearly 80 years. During those years he served the Lord and the churches he was part of as a deacon, teacher, choir member, solo and group vocalist, and instrumentalist. He was known to turn down work promotions and higher paying shifts that conflicted with his service to his family and church.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, at the Willis Funeral Home in Gallipolis, Ohio. Visitation will begin at 10:00am. A graveside service will begin at 3:00pm at the Lilly-Crews Cemetery in Nimitz, West Virginia. Pastor Jesse McKendree will officiate. In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to send donations to Ohio Valley Christian School or the charity of your choice.

What does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)