Harvey Knavel, Jr., 59

Harvey Lee Knavel, Jr., age 59, of Burr Oak, passed away Thursday afternoon November 26, 2020 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.
He was born May 9, 1961 in Sturgis, son of Harvey Lee and Janet Louise (Ballard) Knavel.
Harvey was a lifelong Burr Oak resident and a graduate of Burr Oak High School with the class of 1979.
For the past 10 years he had been working as a private duty home care provider. He had been employed by ADAPT for 15 years and following his graduation from high school he went to work at the Sturgis Foundry where he was a dedicated employee for 18 years.
He was a member of the Sturgis Church of the Nazarene, past member of Sons of the American Legion and Harvey loved playing golf.
He is survived by his father: Harvey Lee Knavel, Sr. of Sturgis; one sister: Bambi (Bill Eckhardt) Herman of Sturgis; his longtime companion: Lori Gilbo of Burr Oak and her mother Sheryl Benjamin of Sturgis; daughter: Amanda Gilbo of Sturgis whom he loved spending time with; aunt: Karan Taylor of Indianapolis, Indiana and several step-brothers and step-sisters.
He was preceded in death by his mother: Janet Louise Kline.
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. Due to the current conditions with the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions of gatherings a memorial service celebrating and honoring the life of Harvey Lee Knavel, Jr. will be held at a later date to be announced.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial donations would be appreciated to the Hackman Family Funeral Homes, P.O. Box 9, Sturgis, MI 49091 or the St. Joseph County Animal Control, 652 E. Main St., Centreville, MI 49032.
The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where we encourage relatives and friends to share memories and send condolences for the family.