Harvey Edgar Clary, Jr., born October 4, 1928, in Holton, Kansas, to Harvey Edgar Clary and Florence Edna (Scott) Clary, passed away peacefully at the age of 97, surrounded by his loving family at Lansing Care Nursing Home. Known affectionately as Dad, Pop’s, and Uncle Harvey, he lived a long, joyful, and deeply devoted life.
Harvey spent his early childhood in Holton until age seven, when his family moved to Kansas City, Missouri. He graduated from high school in Kansas City and proudly served in the Naval Reserve Corps, stationed in Bermuda.
Harvey met the love of his life, Agnes Jane McCormick, when she was just sixteen. He often joked that she may have first been drawn to his 1942 Mercury convertible—but it didn’t take long before they fell wholeheartedly for each other. Together, they lit up every dance floor they touched. Harvey and Agnes were married on December 12, 1953, in Loose Park and honeymooned at the Lake of the Ozarks, a place that would become the backdrop for many cherished family memories.
Harvey began his professional journey with Westinghouse, where he completed an apprenticeship as a machinist and advanced to become a skilled tool maker in the Experimental Tool and Die Laboratory. His talent, curiosity, and dedication later led him into roles across several manufacturing companies within the Aerospace and Defense industries in the greater Kansas City area.
Following his years at Westinghouse, Harvey’s career continued to flourish as he served in positions including plant superintendent and process engineer. Throughout these roles, he earned the respect of colleagues and became a devoted mentor to young, early career apprentices, generously sharing his knowledge and helping shape the next generation of professionals in the Defense and Aerospace fields.
When children arrived, Agnes devoted herself to the home, and together they built a life centered on family, faith, and community.
To their union, four children were born:
- James Edward (Tammy, deceased) of Ferrelview, MO
- John Thomas of Ferrelview, MO
- Linda Leah of Odenton, MD
- Jeffrey Scott, deceased
Harvey and Agnes shared countless adventures with their closest friends, the Tarry family, as well as with beloved relatives. The Clary–Tarry friendship began long before there were children, and together they built a lifetime of traditions and memories. Their travels took them to the Lake of the Ozarks, the mountains of Colorado, Yellowstone National Park, and the shores of Florida. Fourth of July barbecues, fireworks, annual fish fries, pontoon rides, water skiing, and late night games and movies became cherished hallmarks of their family life.
Harvey was a master of the grill and smoker—though, on rare occasions, an unconfirmed barbecue fire may have occurred. The adventures continued over the years as Harvey and Agnes traveled to Connecticut, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, Vermont, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina to visit and vacation with their daughter and her family, creating new traditions while carrying the old ones forward.
He gave generously of his time, coaching PeeWee football at St. Catherine’s School and leading little league baseball teams for many years. He was a patient mentor who encouraged resilience, confidence, and independence in his children and in the many young people he coached.
Family life was rich with simple joys: weekends with aunts, uncles, and cousins around the pool, drive in movies in the station wagon, Santa visits at Christmastime, nightly family dinners, and Sunday mornings at church. Harvey and Agnes were deeply in love throughout their 67 years of marriage, celebrating their 50th anniversary in grand style—on a Hawaiian cruise, staying in the penthouse suite.
Harvey was his grandchildren’s biggest fan. He loved cheering for the Kansas City Royals, the Chiefs, and both KU and MU sports teams.
