Harvey Bedford

Harvey Louis Bedford, 79 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at Meyer Care Center. He was born Saturday, August 7, 1943 in Dover, Missouri to Lloyd Bedford and Virgie (Richey) Bedford. He was the husband of Kathy Bedford, marrying February 19, 1966. Harvey was raised and graduated high school in Corder, MO. He served six years in the Army National Guards and then started his working career as a mechanic and welder. He used those skills and spent 17 years as a machinist for Western Electric. He spent another 13 years with the US Post Office. Harvey was a man that always had to be busy. He enjoyed woodworking and turned that hobby into a passion. During the time between Western Electric and the Post Office, he used his carpentry skills and turned them into self-employment working with his best friend, Albert Troester. Harvey was everyone's handyman and he completed thousands of projects for people, from repairing furniture to building decks to room additions and building barns. When he wasn't working or building, he enjoyed traveling with his wife, Kathy. They toured all 48 states on his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. He loved the water and would spend many weekends on Crystal Lakes in Excelsior Springs, MO. Harvey loved to dance and he and Kathy danced every Saturday night. The family has lost the best husband, dad, grandpa, and Pepaw anyone could ask for. He loved being with his family. Harvey was a loving husband who worked hard so Kathy could stay home with the children. He was never too busy to race the grandkids, wrestle, or play board games. He enjoyed watching the grandkids at their sporting events. They are blessed to have many treasured handmade wood pieces he crafted. His presence will be missed by all. Surviving are wife, Kathy of the home; two daughters, Kris (Paul) Tracy of Knob Noster, MO and Deanna Hamilton of Daytona Beach, FL; four grandchildren, Dustin (Kim) Tracy, Danielle (Bryan) McGraw, Trista (Evan) McCray, Darius (Tara) Elmore; and seven great-grandchildren, Austin and Landon Tracy, Casen McGraw, Trey and Tyson Elmore, Ava and Kennedy McCray. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Lloyd Bedford, Jr., Harold Bedford; and one grandchild, Demetrius Elmore. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at Stewart-Hoefer Funeral Home, 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, December 5, 2022 at Central Christian Church with Rev. Jerry Basye officiating. Burial will follow in the City Cemetery. Casket bearers: Jon Bedford, Darius Elmore, Austin Tracy, Landon Tracy, Craig Williams, Lionel Williams. Honorary bearers: Ralph Sivils, Calvin Soendker, Albert Troester. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Harvey Bedford

August 7, 1943 - November 30, 2022