Harvey Albert Plummer

Harvey Albert Plummer, 92, completed his journey on earth in the early morning hours of January 26, 2018.  Harvey was born in Fairhaven, Missouri on June 25, 1925.  He attended schools in Fairhaven, graduating from Walker High School in 1943.  In his youth, he participated in sports, played the violin and managed to keep things lively.  It was there that he began his love of hunting and fishing and developed his spirit of love and generosity.  

Harvey enlisted in the Marines during World War II and remained a proud Marine through out his life.  He served in the Pacific Theatre seeing action in Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands before finishing his tour in Occupied Japan.  His unit was the first to land in Nagasaki after the atomic bomb was dropped earning him the title of Atomic Veteran. He served as a Quartermaster in a warehouse situated in the area where the nuclear bomb had been dropped.  For many years, he was the oldest Marine at the annual Marine Corps ball, only reluctantly missing it in his final year.  

When he was discharged from the service, he travelled with friends to the Nebraska Panhandle to help with the wheat harvest.  While there he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Orr who was teaching school in the area.  Harvey and Mary Ann were married in Gering, Nebraska, March 28, 1948, sharing 70 years of love and adventure.  He was immediately welcomed into her large family of 8 brothers and sisters who he treasured. It wasn’t until much later in life that he connected to his Missouri family, adding 8 more brothers and sisters, a source of much happiness. While still in Nebraska, they had two children Cheryl and Harvey. From this beginning, the family grew, to add 5 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. In the early sixties, Harvey and Mary Ann moved to Twin Falls, Idaho for his business.  He remained there for the rest of his life save for a brief interlude in Rock Springs, Wyoming.   

Harvey made many friends during his lifetime in the trucking industry. Upon graduation from high school, he bargained for a truck driving job, offering to work for free if he didn’t do a good job. He got the job. For many years, he was a long-haul truck driver, often traveling for months at a time, transporting goods from coast to coast. He would bring fresh produce to Nebraska during the coldest winters—a rarity in those days.  He continued as a tank driver, often hauling dangerous chemicals into equally dangerous and remote locations.  Harvey was named Utah Driver of the Year in 1997 and was honored in the Million Mile Club for driving more than a million miles without an accident. He did not retire until he reached age 79 and then only partially.  Harvey and Mary Ann continued to run a small business, buying and leasing trucks to help others start their careers. He took great pride in his long career and his ability to mentor others in the business. 

Harvey loved people and could as easily spend time with a CEO as the working man.   He felt the best way to show hospitality was through a good meal and fortunately for him, he married a woman who could cook. He wasn’t bad himself.  His fried chicken was a favorite and try as we might, we could never match his skill! Their home was always open to friends and family.  It was not unusual for them to invite friends in for dinner at the last minute or host small parties of 50 or more people.  He loved his camping trips with the family and their friends, and the Good Sam Club and enjoyed his many clubs – the American Legion, the Marine Corps League, the VFW, the Elks and the Moose.  The friendships he enjoyed were as essential as air—no doubt they contributed to his long life.  

Harvey is survived by his wife Mary Ann, his children Cheryl Brush (Mike) of Boise and Harvey (Lynn) of Phoenix.  He is also survived by his grandchildren Justin Plummer (Tracy), Columbus, Ohio, Karri Plummer (Dona) of Victoria, British Columbia, Kristin McGee (Matt) and Hailey Brush, Boise and Adrianne Nielsen (Chris), Phoenix.  He is also survived by nine great grandchildren Jake, Paige, Tristan, Cameron, Maddie, Paitynn, Abbey, Caylah and Caine.  He is survived by his brothers Dale (Janice), Jerry (Marilyn), Gaylen (Shirley), Woodrow (Cora) and Kent (Anita) and sisters Maxine and Arlene.  One sister, Della and sister-in-law Maxine preceded him in death.  He is also survived by his brother and sister in laws, Dick (Vonnie), Lyle (Brenda), Wanda, Donna, and Keitha.  Bud, Dean (Leah), Clarence, Chuck and Gerald passed before.  

Harvey would want us to express his appreciation for the many family and friends who provided so much love and support during his final days.  He was incredibly grateful for the smallest kindness and welcomed every visit.  We want to thank Hospice Visions, especially Ginger and Joel, whose excellent care allowed him to remain at home under the care of his wife.  We also want to thank Phil and Kristie Hafer, for their daily visits. 

Services will be at 2:00 p.m., Friday, February 2, 2018 at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Rd., Twin Falls, ID.  At a later date, a service will be held at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Boise.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice Visions or a favorite veterans’ organization.  

We will miss our sweet husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend but his spirit will live on.