Leon Ray (Sr.) Harvey

After a wonderful life filled with love, laughter, mischief and adventure Leon R Harvey, Sr. age 73 passed away with peace and grace on September 25, 2019 at his home in Freeport, Ohio with his family by his side.

Leon was born September 9, 2019 in Elkins, West Virginia. He was the second of four children born to Carl and Georgia Harvey. He joins his parents and a brother, Eddie (Kitty) Harvey in Heaaven. He is survived by his sister, Donelda (Dale) Selmon and his brother, Terry Harvey.

Leon was a man of many talents and skills. He started his career in the steel industry before obtaining his CDL license to become a semi-driver and picked up multiple skills throughout the years finally retiring as a master mechanic.

Leon resided in Summit County, Ohio until he retired and moved to Freeport in Harrison County, Ohio. He enjoyed his retirement and started his mornings swapping stories with his buddies and breakfast at Poppy’s.

Leon loved motorcycles. He was a proud member of USA Big Wheels motorcycle club where he enjoyed riding with his daughter, Dee and son-in-law Randy.

Leon was very active in his hobbies and enjoyed tinkering on cars with his son, Larry, and brother-in-law, Dale, spending time hunting with his son, Jay, shopping with his grandson, Preston, shooting pool with his cousin, Ron Allshouse, training horses with his brother, Terry, teasing his youngest daughter, Elizabeth, about her role as the baby of the family, but his favorite hobby was enjoying his coffee with his beautiful wife, Jamie.

Leon met Jamie in the early eighties and knew she was the one when she didn’t complain about his creative ways to be “thrifty” (cheap). So, after many years he dusted off the checkbook to give her the wedding of her dreams. On July 25th, 1992 in front of their friends and family he married the love of his life. Even after 27 years he would still brag about marrying the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. They were able to create a home filled with chaos, laughter, and love for their blended family of seven children: Shelly (Jose) Chavez, Denise (Randy) Vanhorn, Leon R. Harvey Jr., Larry (Jessica) Harvey, Crystal Yontz, James Yontz and Elizabeth (Tony) Thrall-Stephens. Leon was a loving and devoted “hands-on” father making sure his kids knew how to check the oil, throw a right hook, shoot a gun, and were not afraid to stand up for what they believed in, but he also demanded they treat others with respect.

Leon wanted everyone to think he was a tough stern man but the truth was he melted like a popsicle in July at the sight of his grandchildren: Kristin (Scott) Kisner, Melissa Miller, Tania Vanhorn, Paul (Jumana) Lazoran, Randi Artrip, Larry Nile Harvey, “Best Buddy and Sidekick” Preston Yontz, Stephen Thrall, Jr., Papaws “Ray of Sunshine” who could do no wrong, Madilynn Stephens, and the newest addition baby Jameson (and his brother Joey);  and great-grandchildren Levi and Nadia.

The family would like to thank Community Hospice and Nurse Megan for their exceptional care and support over the last few months. The staff truly have a special love for their patients and treated Leon with dignity and compassion from the first visit until they cried with our family one last time the morning he passed. We will never be able to thank you all for all you have done.

Respecting Leon’s wishes he has been cremated and will have two memorial services. The first will be Tuesday, October 1st at 4:00 pm at Freeport United Methodist Church in Freeport. The second will be Monday October 21st at 11:00 am at Cornerstone Church in Mogadore. Both services will be followed by a dinner generously provided by the churches. In lieu of flowers do a tune up on your car and enjoy an ice cold Bud Light with a friend… That’s what Lee would have wanted. 

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