Major Curtis Harvey, US Army (Retired) was born March 14, 1941, in Kilgore, Texas, to the late W.D. Harvey and Margie (Britt) Harvey. He graduated high school in Midland, Texas in 1959, and enlisted in the Army in September 1959. He completed his associate degree while serving in the US Army. Early in his career he served as a nuclear weapons instructor at US Army School, Europe, in Oberammergau, Germany, and then as nuclear weapons instructor at the Artillery and Missile School at Fort Sill, OK. Curtis graduated OCS as Distinguished Graduate and was commissioned a 2LT in 1965. During his second tour of duty in Germany, he commanded a nuclear capable artillery unit and served as Operations Officer. He attended flight school and graduated as Honor Graduate in 1969, and flew 1,044 hours in Vietnam as a pilot in 1969-1970. Upon returning from Vietnam, he attended the Field Artillery Officer’s Advanced Course and completed the Aviation Command and Staff courses. He returned to Germany and was assigned to the Army Aviation Company in Heidelberg, Germany, where he piloted the Commander-In-Chief of US Army, Europe, and visiting high profile dignitaries in helicopters and multi-engine aircraft for four years. His last four-year tour of duty before retirement in 1979 was at Fort Polk, La, where he served as the Division Artillery Aviation Officer before being named the Assistant Chief of Staff, G3 Air, for the Fifth Infantry (Mech). Numerous military decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (13 Awards), and the Army Commendation Medal. Curtis retired from the Army in 1979 after 20 years of service.
Curtis met and married the love of his life, Sigrid, during his first tour of duty in Germany in 1961. They had a home built in Kilgore, Tx, in 1976 and their children attended Kilgore schools and Kilgore Junior College. Immediately after military retirement, Curtis began his second career with Axelson, Inc, in Longview, Tx. where he managed all facets of manufacturing and supply chain for 2 plants. He was appointed Program Manager for the merger of Axelson, US Industries and Haliburton. After the successful integration of those companies, he served as an internal consultant for business excellence until his retirement in 2000. Curtis started Trinity Education and Consulting Group that helped many companies in the US, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions. He was a Master Mason and a Shriner, and was a member of a pistol marksmanship unit for many years. He loved to go hunting with his identical twin sons and fishing with his family. He participated in drag racing with his sons until late in life. His five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren were deeply loved and brought great joy to him. He was a member of Crossroads Community Church for many years.
Curtis passed away in the early morning of April 5, 2024 at home with his wife and son by his side. Curtis is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Sigrid; his children Jackie Byers and husband Rick of Flower Mound, Tx; Angie Harvey of Longview, Tx; Steven Harvey and wife Daya of Gilmer, Tx; and Curtis Harvey II and wife Krista of Greenville, Tx. Also surviving Curtis are sisters Mari Middleton of Dallas, Tx; Kay Mosley of Austin, Tx; Margie Sords of Austin, Tx; and brother, Fred Harvey, of Kilgore, Tx.; Curtis was preceded in death by another brother, Wayne Harvey of Kilgore, Tx. He is also survived by grandchildren Brandon White of Longview, Tx; Madison Mills of Kilgore, Tx; Haley Sarge of Berwick, Pa; Kendyll Cowart of Royce City, Tx., Sabrina Harvey of Greenville, Tx. and 9 great grandchildren.
Funeral Services will be at Crossroads Community Church, 6070 FM-1249 E, Kilgore, Texas on April 20, 2024 at 11am.
The family appreciates the medical care and support from all of his doctors (Dr. Scott, Dr. Rangu and Dr. Reddy) and their staffs at Longview Regional Hospital; Longview Rehabilitation Hospital; Also, many thanks to Heart to Heart hospice for their great and compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Shreveport, La. in Curtis’s name.
It was a joy to know Curtis. He was a devoted family man who loved God, his family, his church, his many friends, his country and the time he spent here on this earth. I will always remember how kind he was during the time he worked with the children at the Cross Roads Community Methodist Church’s annual Bible School. He made a positive difference for so many whom he encountered. We will miss Curtis and will continue our prayers for his sweet family as they work through this loss. Wishing them blessings, peace, and comfort. With love from Sarah
Pattie
My true prayers, thoughts and love go out to his family and friends.
May he now rest in peace free from all pain and illness.
Fly high, dear friend. 🙏🏼♥️🙏🏼
Curtis was a great neighbor and an even better friend. What a blessing he was to all that knew him. Our condolences and prayers are with you all. Our love, Jimmy and Tammy Kirkland ❤️
Wonderful friend we will miss him
We are so blessed to have met Curtis and his beautiful bride at Cross Roads Community church. We loved listening to his stories and could sit for more. He will be deeply missed. In our short time of knowing him, we grew to love him! Our prayers are with the family in these days.
Love, Cathy & Ira Nelson
Xoxox – Abby Modisette, COTA
Sending love and condolences to the family of Major Harvey. Grateful for his service to the country during perilous times. May God give you comfort in times ahead.
Loved the stories you told, Buddy. Everybody misses you a bunch.