LaVern R. "Vern" Harvey

LaVern R. "Vern" Harvey, 81, passed peacefully Friday, August 8th, with his family at his side. Celebration of Life services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 15th at Asbury United Methodist Church in Bettendorf. A lunch will follow the service. He will be laid to rest at Oakdale Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Thursday, August 14th.

Vern was born April 12, 1944, in Dexter, Iowa, son of William and Helen Harvey. The family moved to the Bettendorf area in 1951 where they became active community members and construction business owners. Vern was educated in Bettendorf Schools and graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. He participated in the ROTC program and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant upon graduation.

On August 13, 1966, he was united in marriage to Christine Bullington. Additionally, in 1966 he entered the United States Army, serving in the 4th Infantry Division as a helicopter pilot in Viet Nam. He received the Bronze Star, five Air Medals, and was discharged as Captain in 1970. He continued to fly for the National Guard for several years following.

For the past 5 decades he and Chris made their home in Bettendorf. Harvey Homes and Kirkwood Investors Realty were businesses he managed where he built not only homes and buildings but lasting relationships within the Quad City area and he was associated with Mel Foster Co. as a Realtor for many years.

He served three terms as State Representative, Iowa House District 79, 1973 - 1979. He was a 67 year member of Asbury Methodist Church, (men's group, children's ministry, discipleship, Next Step, co-leader of the Thursday Evening Bible Study), The Bettendorf Government Committee, and Pioneer Lawmakers.

He was admired and respected for his commitment and passion to his community and State (loved Iowa History); and his kindness to others. He was an articulate speaker with a quick wit!

Vern is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Christine Bullington Harvey.

Affectionately known as "Gramps", those left to keep his memory in their hearts include his children, Mitchell Harvey and Megan Harvey of Bettendorf; his grandchildren Maxwell White and Nicholas Harvey of Bettendorf; his sister and brother-in-law Kristen (Ross) Wirth of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; his aunt, Joyce (Fred) Foote of Titusville, Florida; as well as many loving cousins, nieces and nephews and wonderful friends. Vern was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen Harvey, and his brother William "Billy" Harvey Jr.

In addition to his devotion to his family, Gramps’ joy was in life's simple pleasures - from long walks by the river with Chris to traveling across state lines to watch his grandsons baseball, basketball and soccer games. Whether it was across town or across state lines, you could always count on him on the sideline rain or shine. His love for his grandchildren was unmatched. But most of all, you could often find him at his comfy gray chair roughly 3 feet away from the TV watching a classic black and white - many times with his frequent companion. a Russian Blue named Milt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Asbury Methodist Church or the Iowa City VA Medical Center Pulmonary Department and/or the ICU.

Condolences may be expressed to the family by viewing Vern’s obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com.