Harvey Lue Rector (Bolivar)'s Obituary
Harvey L Rector, 76, of Bolivar died August 31,2018 at Cox Medical Center in Springfield after a long struggle with health issues. Family and friends were by his side.
He was born at the old homestead near Omaha, Arkansas, on August 26, 1942. Harvey grew up in Hollister, Missouri. During his childhood, Harvey and his father shared many interests. He learned much of what he knew by following his father around. Harvey graduated from Hollister High School in 1960. He joined the Air Force three years later and was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, near Tampa, Florida. During his service, he was an honor student at the Air Force Technical School and enjoyed working on the F4C Phantom.
After his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Harvey returned to Missouri and joined the Springfield Police Department in 1966. He served the community for 21 years before retiring in 1987
Upon retirement, Harvey continued his love of building and modifying vehicles. A 1938 Chevy and a yellow and black buggy were two of his prized projects. Harvey had the buggy up to 110 MPH on more than one occasion, but no one knew how fast it could actually travel. While Harvey loved to fix anything, he was also content sitting in his shop. He treasured the time he spent visiting with many friends as they stopped by.
Harvey also loved spending time outdoors. He spent countless hours boating, fishing and hunting. He enjoyed reliving the many trips and memories involving dear family and friends who joined him for those adventures.
In recent years he discovered a love of building custom rifles and gunsmithing. One of his favorites was his 1895 Martini Henry 4570. But his custom projects didn't stop there. He was also very excited when he had the opportunity to build a custom knife. Many of those projects began with scheming during trips to gun shows and swap meets.
As a man of great faith, Harvey was saved at a young age. He reaffirmed his commitment to Christ when he was baptized in the Finley River in 2016 with family members as witnesses.
Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, James (Jamer) and Vina Rector of Ridgedale, Mo. and a brother-in-law, Robert Gross also of Ridgedale, Mo.
He is survived by his wife, Linda, of the home. Four children: Robin Rector and wife, Kelly of Springfield, Mo. Daughter, Melissa Vester and husband Curt of Tuscon, Arizona, Jeff Skidmore and wife, Heidi of Lee's Summit, Mo., and Andy Albin and wife Elizabeth of Halfway, Mo. Three grandchildren, Brittany Rector of Springfield, Mo, Zachary Vester of Tuscon, Arizona and Mary Ann Brazzell of Halfway. Two Sisters: Elner Gross of Ridgedale, Mo. and Victoria Groves and husband, Dale of Republic, Mo. Several nieces, nephews, other relatives and was blessed with a host of friends.
Burial will follow the service at 2:00 p.m. in the Cedar Valley Cemetery in Hollister, Mo at 2:00 p.m.
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