Kenneth Harvey

A friend to everyone. An enemy to none. Kenneth “Kenny” Raymond Harvey passed away February 12 of natural causes; he was 82. Kenny was married to Gertrude Harvey and lived on Des Moines East Side. The youngest of 12 children born to Charles and Mabel Harvey, he is survived by one brother, Chester Harvey and two children, Kenneth Harvey Jr, both of Des Moines and Cathy Stevens of Pleasant Hill. Kenny also had six step children, Ted Gathercole, Donald Archer (deceased), Shirley Johnson, John “Bo” Archer, Phyllis Davis and William Archer. 100 grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude.
Known as Fort Des Moines, the Southside is where Kenny grew up and later in life it was where he sold fresh fruit and vegetables out of a pickup. At the tender age of 18, Kenny enlisted in the US Naval Forces in 1943 and served one tour of duty during World War II. Though he loved his times in New York City and Los Angeles and was stationed as far away as the Philippines, Kenny was ready to stay put and lived out the remainder of his life in Des Moines. He became a member of the Laborers Union 177 in the 1950’s. Kenny worked various construction positions and helped build many of Des Moines’ buildings downtown. After he retired Kenny worked at the Post Office, Montgomery Wards and the State Fair Grounds.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW. Visitation will be held from 5pm to 7pm Wednesday at the funeral home.

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