Obituary
Harvey Lovewell was born to Henry Albert Lovewell and Lizzie Harvey Lovewell on March 23, 1921 in Birdsong, Missouri, and passed away on October 12, 2009 in Big Spring Care Center in Humansville, Missouri, after a brief illness. Harvey had twelve siblings. He attended Greenwood School, then after saying he was older than his actual age, joined the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) Camp at Schell Knob, Missouri.
Harvey enlisted in the Army in 1942, married Opal Mae Tandy on November 22, 1942, and returned to Fort Leonard Wood on the same day. He was soon transferred to California, where Opal joined him until he was sent overseas. He served overseas in the Philippine Islands for 27 months and 2 weeks during World War II. He was promoted and drove for officers until he went AWOL when received word that his son had been born. He was demoted, but continued serving in the Philippines until his discharge.
Harvey was a mechanic, working on cars, Ford tractors, small engines, and drove school buses and wreckers until his retirement. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with his grandchildren. He had spent his entire life in St. Clair County, living only 12 miles from where he was born. He was a founding and lifetime member of VFW Post 4197 in Osceola and was also one of the founding members of the local Alcoholics Anonymous group in which he was very influential in many people’s lives.
Harvey is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Ruth Ann Lovewell; 4 brothers, William (Bill) Lovewell, Freddie Lovewell, Albert Lovewell, and Oliver Lovewell and two sisters, Blanche and Florence Lovewell.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Opal Mae Tandy Lovewell; one son, Gene Lovewell and wife Jeanie; one daughter Janice Wagner, all of Osceola; 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great granddaughter, many nieces, nephews and friends.
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