John Harvey, 74

John R. Harvey, 74, of Three Rivers, died Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011 at his home following a long illness. He was born in Three Rivers on Oct. 24, 1937 the son of the late Ruel B. and Margaret E. (Reid) Harvey, and had been an area resident his entire life. John served in the U.S Air Force before returning to Three Rivers and receiving his high school diploma in Cass County. He had been employed briefly at Peterson Spring and MARO in Schoolcraft before going to work as a pipe-fitter for Conrail where he worked from 1968 to 1999. He was married to Janice Ramer in Howe, Ind. on June 15, 1963. They were later divorced. John was a stock-car driver, racing at area tracks in Michigan and Indiana in the 60’s and 70’s. He continued to be an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed working on cars. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and American Legion Post #170 in Three Rivers.

John is survived by a son, Joe Harvey and his fiancée, Danyelle Williams of Three Rivers; two grandchildren, J.J. Harvey and Jackson Harvey; his former wife, Janice Harvey of Three Rivers; a sister, Lucy Harvey-Peterson of Constantine; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, John R. Harvey and James M. Harvey; and by two sisters, Patricia Harvey-Peterson and Nancy Harvey-Waddell.

Cremation has been conducted. A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Eickhoff Farrand Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers. Military interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society. An online register is available at www.efhchapel.com.