W. Dexter Harvey

William Dexter Harvey, 98, of Independence MO, passed away Saturday, April 20, 2013 at Centerpoint Medical Center.

Services will be 10:00 am on Thursday, April 25, at Independence First United Methodist Church; 400 W. Maple Ave. Independence, MO 64050. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, April 24, at Speaks Suburban Chapel; 18020 W. 39th St. Independence, MO 64055. Burial in Oak Ridge Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church or to the Independence Host Lions Club.

Dexter was born February 27, 1915, in Shelbyville, MO to Rev. Busyc B. and Mary Laverna (Botts) Harvey. Mr. Harvey was a 1933 graduate of Cowgill High School and a 1939 graduate of Northwest Missouri State College with a degree in business education. In 1941 he moved to Independence where he became an agent and district manager for Farmers Insurance Group, a position he held for 50 years. Dexter was a faithful member of the First United Methodist Church. He was also a community leader, serving as a past-president of the Independence Chamber of Commerce. He was a 67-year member and past-president of the Independence Host Lions Club. Dexter was a past master and 70-year member of the Masonic Lodge #76 and the KC Ararat Shrine. He was a volunteer and board member for Meals on Wheels and member of the Knife & Fork Club. Dexter was preceded in death by his parents; by his wife of 63 years, Frances; his three brothers, Busyc Lee, John, and Charles Harvey; his son Bill Harvey; and his granddaughter Melinda Medford. He is survived by his daughter Patricia Braley, grandchildren Melissa Michael of Kansas City, KS, Mark (Kari) Harvey of Aurora, CO, Laura Harvey of Canyon Country, CA, step-grandsons Scott (Molly) Braley, and Colin (Beth) Braley, as well as six great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.