Harvey Gale High

Harvey Gale High, age 74, a resident of Meadville, Missouri, passed away October 17, 2023, at his home in Meadville with loved ones by his side. He was born in Brookfield, Missouri on July 28, 1949 the son of Noel and Ina Gene (Simpson) High. 

Harvey was a 1967 graduate of Meadville High School in Meadville, Missouri. After high school, he served his country as an E5 in the Army.  As a Vietnam soldier from 1969-1972, facing unimaginable adversities as he valiantly served for freedom, justice, and the safety of his fellow soldiers. During active duty, he maintained a budding love story with Phylis Anne Moner, exchanging love letters and photographs. On June 26, 1971, they married at the First Baptist Church of Meadville in Meadville, Missouri. It was a union that lasted 52 years. She survives the home. 

Harvey worked in construction most of his career. He retired from the state of Missouri in 2013. Upon his retirement, he helped care for his parents, a selfless task he took on with diligence, compassion, and commitment. He embodied the spirit of the verse, John 15:13: “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” His legacy was truly one of unwavering courage and he was an emblem of resilience and determination. 

Harvey was a member of the First Baptist Church of Meadville. He was a member of the American Legion Post 517 for 52 years. He was a soft-spoken yet quick-witted man with a strong relationship with God and a Christian faith he lived by and taught his children. He enjoyed working with his hands as a skilled and steady carpenter and engine hobbyist, working on dirt bikes and motorcycles. Every wall of the family home was framed, constructed, and hammered by him and it served as the place he would spend the remainder of his life. He was a man who worked hard and loved immensely, qualities he passed to his own children. He had an unyielding dedication to his wife, children, and grandchildren. Harvey was a loyal, devoted, proud, and beloved son, husband, brother, father, Poppy, and friend. 

Harvey’s memory will forever be cherished by his adoring wife, Phylis; two sons, Justin (Rochelle) High of Lathrop, Missouri, and Jamie (Brooke) High of Lawson, Missouri; and one daughter, Jennifer (Andy) Clem of Meadville, Missouri; 

Grandchildren are Brennen, Kamryn, Kallie and Wrenly High, Landen and Ashlyn Hook,  Benjamin, Brayden, Bryson, Jacey and Josie High, and Konner, Kamdon, and Kinley Clem. 

One sister, Patsy (Joe) Thomas of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Lee High (Betty) of Deer Park, Washington as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Michael (Nick) and Evelyn Moner.

Visitation will be held Thursday evening at Wright Funeral Home in Brookfield, Missouri family will greet friends from 5pm-7pm. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 20th at 11am at the First Baptist Church of Meadville. Burial to follow at Botts’ Cemetery. 

Memorial contributions can be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, The First Baptist Church of Meadville, or The Wounded Warrior Project. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Wright Funeral Home, PO Box 496,  Brookfield,  MO 64628. 

Officiating will be Pastor Cory Majors and Pastor Rex Leppin.

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