Harvey was born on 19 June 1936 in Cedartown Georgia the youngest of 6 children of Vada Martin Wells and William Joseph Wells.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brothers Albert Cheasly Wells, William Henry Wells and Lewis Milton Wells, his sister Vassie Lou Cox and his first wife Janet Mellen Wells. He is survived by his sister Sara Alma Grey and his Wife Carolyn Davis (Culbertson) Wells, step-daughters Cheryl (husband, David) Morgan and Cindy Culbertson, two grandsons, one granddaughter, one great-granddaughter, two great-grandsons, one granddaughter-in-law, two sisters-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He graduated from Cedartown High School, Cedartown GA, June 1954 and immediately enlisted in the United States Air Force where for the next 20 years he was involved in their supply system in positions ranging from unit supply to working in the Headquarters of the Military Airlift Command and Air Force Communications Service. He retired as a Master Sergeant (E-7) in 1974.
During his off duty time he was active with the Air Force Sergeants association and was Vice President for Legislative Affairs for 1913-1974. Following his retirement, he tried his hand at several things: Deputy Clerk in the Western District of Missouri Federal Court, bad Debt Collections, and Assistant manager of a loan company. From 1975 until 1996 he was a Claims Authorizer for SSA and Retired as a Retirement Claims Insurance Specialist (GS-ll).
In 1974 he joined Grandview Masonic Lodge where he found his avocation. He was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Initiated in 1975 in Grandview Chapter Nr 365. He became Worthy Patron of that chapter in 1978. He subsequently served as Worthy Patron of three other chapters for a total of 9 times in that office. He was appointed to the advancing line of the lodge in 1979 and progressed through the various chairs of the lodge until he was elected and served as Master of the Lodge for the year 1984-1985. He was awarded lifetime membership for meritorious service in 1985. He became interested in the Scottish Rite in Kansas City. He joined the Scottish Rite in 1975. He joined the Ritual Cast and performed as Master of the Palace in the 15th degree for the Chapter Rose Croix degrees: a position he held for over 20 years. He also performed several other parts in the various degrees of the Rite. He was appointed to the advancing line of the Chapter in 1985 and started working his way through the offices of the Chapter of Rose Croix. In recognition of his work, he was awarded the Honor of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor in 1987. He continued his work with the Chapter and served as Wise Master of the Chapter, as Commander of the Knights Commander Court of Honor and President of the Line Officers and Past Masters of the Scottish Rite in 1993. In 2001 the Supreme Council elected him to receive the 33rd degree or Honorary Inspector General for the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States.
He served as President of the 33 degree club in Kansas City Missouri. He was appointed to the Lodge of Missouri Credentials Committee for many years and was Chairman from 2000-2004. He was a Certified Proficiency Instructor for more than 16 years. He was appointed Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge in 2009.
He held membership in Clinton Lodge and served as their secretary in 2002-2003.
He became a member of Christian Lodge #392 in 1995 and served as their Chaplain for many years.
He loved Freemasonry. It loved him. He was a member of AARAT Shrine from 1975-1999. He was a member of the Legion of Honor and was Chaplain in 1976 for that organization.
A Memorial Visitation took place from 10:00am to 11:00am on Wednesday, April 25th at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00am at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Harvey's name to:
Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders, Scottish Rite Temple, 1330 Linwood Boulevard
Kansas City, Missouri 64109; (816) 561-2277;
https://www.scottishritestore.org/srfdonation.html
