LaVern Alva Harvey, 84, of Palmyra, died on Saturday evening, April 9, 2022, at his residence.
Funeral services were conducted Thursday, April 14, at Stults-Neece Chapel in Palmyra. Burial followed at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield.
Mr. Harvey was born March 2, 1938, in Loami, to Paul and Oleta (Edwards) Harvey. At age 17, he married Haley Willoughby. He later married his true love and soulmate, Laura Kimble, who he enjoyed 36 years and seven months with before her passing.
He started an appliance business at the age of 16 and opened LaVern’s Appliance in 1963. Retiring from that business in 1988, he opened a lawnmower repair shop, later closing it to help his son-in-law Russ in the construction business.
Later in life, Mr. Harvey worked construction for himself as LaVern Harvey Construction. Recently, he took a job at 111 Slots in Palmyra, where he loved going to work and meeting his friends playing slots.
He is survived by his children, Connie (Elliot) Broncho of Lake Ozark, MO, Donna Gadau of Litchfield, Peggy (Russ Sr.) Mendenhall of Chatham and Terry (Vickie) Harvey of Athens; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandson; and sister, Pauline Owens of Chatham.
In addition to his soulmate Laura, Mr. Harvey was preceded in death by his parents; and a grandson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Palmyra Fire Department or Palmyra Food Pantry. They may be sent to Stults-Neece Chapel, 349 E. Tanner, Waverly, IL 62692.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.airsman-hires.com.
