Waldo Emerson Harvey Sr.

Waldo Emerson Harvey Jr. [Sr.]. April 8, 1931 - July 18, 2013. Mr. Waldo Emerson Harvey, Sr., was born in Marietta, Texas, to Burlee and Annie Lee Castel Harvey on April 8, 1931. As the second child, first male child and first male grandchild of the Harvey and Castel families, the expectations were high and he met them by becoming a "take charge" person. Waldo accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age. He participated in Sunday School and Baptist Youth Training Union at the Floyd Valley Missionary Baptist Church in Marietta, Texas. Waldo attended Floyd Valley Elementary School and graduated from Panhandle Public High School in Douglasville, Texas. Upon graduating from high school, Waldo attended Prairie View A&M University prior to moving to Maywood, IL. He lived there with his older sister and became employed with Continental Can Company. In the early 1950s, Waldo was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in the Korean War, where he was assigned for the mission now known as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance. He also served a number of years in the U.S. Army Reserve into the 1960s and he attained the rank of Corporal. Upon his completion of his tour, Waldo returned to Continental Can Company. Waldo was introduced to Thelma Louise Lett by Thelma's Aunt Berniece. On their first date, Waldo and Thelma attended a Harlem Globetrotters' basketball game. After one year of courtship, the two were married on June 16, 1956, at 44th Street Baptist Church by the late Rev. John L. Thurston. Waldo and Thelma enjoyed 51 years of wedded bliss. Their five children honored them in a joyful 50th wedding anniversary and vow renewal officiated by Rev. Stephen J. Thurston on June 16, 2006. Waldo affectionately called his wife, "Mrs. Harvey" and she lovingly called him "Mickey". They attended New Covenant Church. Waldo Sr., joined the Corkery Elementary School Mens' Club, where he organized and chaperoned several 8th Grade Trips to Washington D.C. for his children's school. He also worked with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America. He worked with his sons' high school basketball team and was parent coach for his daughter's high school softball team. Waldo served as the first president of The Harvey Family Reunion before retiring and passing the baton to his brother, Alvin. After working 36 years at Continental Can Company and missing only five days of work, he retired in 1987. The birth of his two grandchildren, Kennedy Michele and Braxton Xavier was one of the greatest highlights of Waldo's life. On the morning of July 18, 2013, Waldo was welcomed into the "Pearly Gates" by his heavenly Father and his beloved wife Thelma and their three children, Dr. Waldo Harvey, Jr., Regina and Angela. He was also welcomed by his parents and sisters Peggy Brown and Mary Holloway. Waldo leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his precious memories: son, Michael D. Harvey (Irene), his daughter, Michele D. Davis (Bruce); two adoring grandchildren, Kennedy Michele Davis and Braxton Xavier Davis; his brothers, B.H., Alvin (Debra), and Joe L. Harvey and sisters Mordine Caston, Vera Wilcox (Philbert, Sr.), Toncie Booker (Lonnie) and Mollie Harvey; three adopted grandchildren, Kenisha C. Haywood, Denzel S. Davis and Peggy M. Brown; a loving god-daughter, Evangelist Keisha Robinson-Campbell; two special "nieces" Janice Haywood and Betty L. Jones, his dutiful nephew and caretaker Philbert Wilcox, Jr., an aunt, V. Nell Dansby, special friend Ollie Barnes, several nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, friends and his New Covenant and Autumn Green Senior Living Lifestyle families. Order of Service: Sunday, July 28, 2013; Visitation 2:00 PM; Service 3:00 PM. New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church And Worship Center, 754 E. 77th Street, Chicago, Illinois 60619. Rev. Stephen J. Thurston, Pastor; Rev. Joseph L. Davis, Presiding. Processional; Memorial Period, Organ Prelude; Call to Worship, II Timothy 4:7-8; Hymn of Consolation, "It Is Well"; Scripture, 23rd Psalm & St. John 14:1-6, Rev. Melvin Goings; Prayer, Pastor Joseph L. Davis; Music of Comfort, Frances Wilkins; Friend Tribute, Autumn Green Senior Lifestyle, McKinley (Mac) Williams; Grandaughters Tribute, Kennedy M. Davis and Kenisha C. Haywood; Harvey Family Tribute, Evg. Keisha Robison-Campbell; Resolutions; Acknowledgement/Reflections of Life, Bonita Van Hook-Adams; Music of Comfort, New Covenant M.B. Church Choir; Message of Comfort, Pastor Stephen J. Thurston; Benediction/Recessional. Interment: Monday, July 29, 2013, Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois. Pallbearers: Charles Allen Esq, Lonnie Booker Jr., Spencer Brown, Denzel S. Davis, Brandon Harvey, St. Clair Haywood III, Philbert Wilcox II, Dwayne Bingham. Honorary Pallbearers: Braxton X. Davis, Bruce E. Davis Jr., B.H. Harvey, Alvin Harvey, Joe L. Harvey, Lonnie Booker Jr., Carl Holloway II, Ray Lett, Abraham Taylor Jr., Philbert Wilcox Sr. Acknowledgments lovingly from Michael and Michele. Arrangements: Calahan Funeral Home, Inc., Chicago, IL / McNeal Calahan Funeral Home, Inc., Brinkley, AR.