Harvey Allen Woods passed into his Heavenly home on August 6, 2026, in the Nevada, Missouri Medical Lodge as a resident there, under the care of his daughter.
He was born to Billy Taylor and Donna Lou Wilson-Woods on April 20, 1948. He was born at home at the Dickey Farm in Rural Deepwater, Missouri. He was delivered by Dr. C. R. Townsend, M.D. of Deepwater, Missouri.
Harvey was always busy in his young life around Deepwater and in his school years. He was always willing to help others and at home. He mowed a lot of yards with his small push mower, carrying his small gas can to his jobs at the age of nine. He helped his mom and dad with the milking, and ventured out with his dad to hunt squirrels, rabbits, and mushrooms for mom to prepare for meals.
His first grade began in 1954, through half of his Sophomore year in Deepwater. He was known for his spirited ways and had a good left hook when necessary. In 1964, his parents and sisters moved to a farm East of Osceola, Missouri, where Harvey attended Osceola High School. His parents sold the farm, and purchased another North of Wheatland, Missouri. Harvey graduated from Wheatland High School in 1966.
He went into construction work after graduation, then went into the dairy cattle business with his parents milking holsteins, with his younger sister Cleta milking beside them.
In 1968 Harvey was drafted into the United States Army out of Benton County Missouri. In April of 1968, he was in training in fort Polk, Louisiana and was sent to Vietnam within a few weeks.
In December of 1968, P.F.C. Harvey Woods was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge near Hue, Vietnam. The C.I.B. has been awarded since late in WWII for sustained ground contact against an enemy. It is not awarded to members of combat arms, such as Artillery or Armor or Engineers. In honor of it’s singular meaning, the badge is worn above all other awards and decorations over the left breast.
Harvey was wounded in action, and received the distinguished Purple Heart and other medals. He spent a period in the hospital then was discharged in the summer of 1969. Until the day of his passing, he carried shrapnel near his heart.
He later moved to Chillicothe, Missouri, working in the Prominent Glove Factory, so at Christmas his family received gifts of gloves.
Harvey returned to Lowry City, Missouri and was employed with the West Central weatherization of nine counties. He also worked at Truman Lake Manor for several years.
In 1986 he married Carolyn Bean Flaherty in the Monegaw Church, by Rev. Grace Dutcher. Their daughter Courtney Lynn was born to be included with her sister Karen and brother Jason.
Harvey shared many years of his Pastoring Ministry in his church on B Highway in Osceola, Missouri, and filled in as Pastor in many other churches around the area when the need arose.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Donna Woods; wife, Carolyn; sisters, Della Peterson and Naressa Woods Veach.
Harvey is survived by his children, Courtney (Kyle) Connelly, Karen (Fred) Greathouse, Jason (Rebecca) Flaherty; sisters, Jackie (Charlie) Cutler, Fairen Coleman, Glindell (Bob) Price, Cleta (Mike) Clark, Taloa (Johnny) Culbertson; grandchildren, Nick (Madison-Rose), Nate, Quaid, Myia, Tien and Haley; great-grandchildren, Mary Ann and Oakley; many, many nieces, nephews, in-laws and an abundance of friends.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, left in care of Sheldon-Goodrich Funeral Home P.O. Box 384 Osceola, Missouri 64776
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