Thomas Harvey Obituary

Thomas L. (Tom) Harvey, 86 of Lafayette, Ohio passed away Thursday, January 2, 2025.
He was born Nov. 1, 1938 in McKeesport, PA to the late William and Melissa (Bartholic) Harvey.
Tom's joys in life were first and foremost his wife Grace of 65 years and his family. He also enjoyed gardening and working around his mini-farm, sports cars, traveling the world, spending time with his grandchildren and making sure he got the biggest piece of Key Lime Pie.
Tom and Grace were married on December 26, 1959 and kicked off a lifetime of adventure. Grace came from a large family and Tom always said "On the day I said 'I do' I gained 25 nieces and nephews and every one of them wanted a ride in my two-seat Austin Healey." They traveled and camped all over the United States and Canada in their Sprites. As their family grew the vehicles and tents got bigger and so did the fun. After they retired, they were able to travel the world visiting Europe, South America, Asia and all points in between. They were avid cruisers, both on Royal Caribbean ships and in their 10th Anniversary Edition Mazda Miata.
Tom was a major influence and teacher in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He taught the importance of family, the importance of laughter, and the practical skills needed to thrive in the real world. He made all of our lives better and taught us to do the same for others. We may have also learned a colorful word or two that we could use when things weren't going exactly right.
Tom spent his career in research with Jones & Laughlin/LTV Steel. In 1985 they moved from Pittsburgh to Ohio where he was able to realize his dream of becoming a gentleman farmer. Anytime Grace wasn't paying attention the backyard got smaller and the "field" got larger. He lived life to the fullest until the end, with trips to IHOP, adventures with family and taking Grace for rides on the John Deere.
Tom is survived by his beloved little drummer girl Grace (Davidson); son, Tom and wife Kim Buser; daughter, Lindy and soon to be son-in-law Jason Gelles; grandchildren, Emma Harvey (Tyler Koppes), Isaac Harvey, T.J. Love, Jarod Harvey, Sierra Harvey, Becca Lob (Dan), and Lydia Will; great-granddaughter, Camila Marie Lob; and sister, Dee Andreaco (Jut).
In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his sister, Joyce Wagner (Tom).
A memorial service and celebration of a life well lived will be held Saturday, January 18, at 11a.m. AM at Lodi United Methodist Church, 320 Medina St., Lodi.
Rev. J. Paige Boyer will officiate.
A lunch will follow in the church community hall.
Donations to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation in honor of Tom can be made at http://team.curethekids.org/ThomasLHarvey.
Online condolences may be shared at www.parkerfuneralhomes.com