- Date Of Birth: July 17, 1939
- Date Of Death: February 16, 2008
- State: New Mexico
John Albert Harvey, 68
Retired Master Sergeant, United States Air Force
John Albert Harvey, a 32-year resident of Alamogordo passed away peacefully into the caring hands of our Lord Jesus Christ on February 16th, 2008. John had been battling the affects of liver disease and was recently, until his death, under the care of hospice when he ultimately succumbed to his ailments at 9:50 a.m. Saturday morning.
John was born July 17, 1939, to Willard and Rose Harvey in Waterloo, Iowa. Due to the untimely death of his parents, he was lovingly raised by his uncle and aunt Buster and Pearl Keeton, also of Waterloo. After graduating high school, John enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent time in Germany where he met his earthly love and married the former Miss Inge M. Schmitz of Sontra Hessen, Germany on August 17th, 1959. While stationed in Germany, Inge gave birth to Tammy, the first of their three daughters, in June 1960. They later returned to the states and settled in North Carolina were daughters Anita (September 1961) and Sherry (November 1962) were born. After having served eight years in the Army, John opted to separate from the Army and later joined the U.S. Air Force until he retired in January 1980.
The Harvey’s made several moves while serving with the Army and Air Force including tours in West Germany, North Carolina, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Hawaii until finally settling down in Alamogordo.
John is survived by his beloved wife Inge of 48 years and by his children Tammy J. Benitez & husband Daniel of San Diego, CA; Anita M. Riegert & husband Arthur of Las Vegas, NM; and Sherry L. Blackard & husband Rob of Lakeville, MN. John is also survived by ten grandchildren: Milinda J. Benitez, Ava M. Curnow, Jeanne M. Viscount, Shane Hill, Elisa L. Benitez, Brian C. Harvey, Joshua Hill, Chasity Vigil, Gregory Vigil and Arthur Vigil.
He was preceded in death by his parents Millard & Rose Harvey, paternal uncle and aunt Buster & Pearl Keeton and by his grandson Jonathan Cockerell.
John’s hobbies included fishing, small-arms and he was fascinated by model trains of all gauges. He was a former member of the First Assembly of God of Alamogordo and a former Exalted Ruler of the Elks. John was also a member of the V.F.W., Moose Lodge, The Eagles, Shriners, The Masons and a former Commander in the Royal Rangers.
