Harvey Reed Jr. was born in Nowata, Oklahoma on March 21st 1933 to Harvey Reed Sr. and Mamie Hill. 2 months after Harvey's birth Mamie passed away. Harvey was raised by his grandparents George and Harriet Reed. After their passing at age 14, Harvey went to live with his Aunt Myrtle. Harvey remained in his beloved hometown of Nowata, OK until he graduated from Lincoln High School in 1951. He then joined the US Army and later the United States Airforce. In 1975 after 24 years of military service he retired in Sacramento, CA at Mather AFB. During his tenure in the USAF Harvey traveled to several different countries, and served in the Korean and Vietnam war. He met his current wife, Esther (Gayle) while stationed in Panama. They later married in Oklahoma City. While enlisted in the USAF he was a Communications Center Supervisor and the NCO Administrator Supervisor.
Harvey Reed attended various colleges while in the military and had an interest in Engineering, Sociology and Law, he studied all of them. He later achieved a degree from the university of the state of New York in 1979. He went on to graduate from Denver Institute of Technology Heating, Air Condition and Refrigeration. He was a Barber by trade, he worked at the County of Sacramento and was a Master Plumber. He progressed through the ranks to become a Underground Construction & Maintenance Specialist to eventually retire from the County as a Water Quality Engineer in Sacramento, CA.
In September of 2000 Harvey moved to Oklahoma City. He spent his remaining years taking care of his acres of land, which included raising chickens, turkeys, and goats. He loved entertaining family and friends. Harvey's pastimes were playing dominoes, listening to Blues and gardening. He also loved spending time with his grandkids, telling stories, doing pranks and telling jokes. He was warm, loving, affectionate and always welcoming. Harvey had a gift of teaching others trades. He often showed others how to plumb, work on cars, garden or build and repair items. He was a Master Teacher of Life. He never hesitated to help anyone in need.
Harvey leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 54 years Esther Reed, from this union, 3 children, Raymond Reed (Maureen), Harvey Reed (Stella) and Denise Reed. As well as two other children from a previous relationship that he loved very much, Nathanlene Reed LeFlore and Vernon Colbert (Amy); He leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and a host of close relatives and friends that love and miss him.