Harvey Robert Cox was born to Robert and Zella Cox on February 11, 1925, and reborn in God's eternal kingdom on April 17, 2023. The 98 years between his birth and rebirth were a blessing to many, many people.

Harvey was the eldest of four children. He was always close with his three brothers, Raymond, Gene, and Jim.  Sadly, for Harvey, they all preceded him in death. True to his character, he loved and remained in touch with his many nieces and nephews, some of whom were like children to him.

In 1944 Harvey was drafted into the US Army. He proudly served until 1946 when he was honorably discharged. He took great pride in serving his country and never took for granted the high price that so many paid to protect America.

August 26, 1951 was one of the greatest (if not the greatest) day in Harvey's life. That day he married the love of his life, Edna Viola. They were married for almost 72 years and rarely spent a day apart. In the early years of their marriage Harvey worked in Homestake mine. After a few years of hard work, he and Edna saved enough money to buy their first business, a Standard Oil service station. As the years progressed, they would buy three more.

The only day that rivaled August 26, 1951, as the greatest day in Harvey's life was November 11, 1952. On that day Harvey and Edna's only child, Wanda Jean, was born. Harvey delighted in his daughter. She and Edna were the center of his life. Everything he did was done with them in mind. Wanda was wholly loved by Harvey and even her childhood friends became like second children to him; so much so that he maintained close, loving relationships with many of them throughout their entire lives.

Harvey's love was not limited to his wife and daughter, it extended to everyone. It's often been said that Harvey never knew a stranger. What's not been said but is also true is Harvey believed in others and was willing to help them become successful.  A time came when Harvey and Edna decided to take the next step in growing their business. They moved out of owning service stations and into owning a Standard Oil bulk plant that sold petroleum products to a variety of businesses. They could have sold their stations on the open market, but instead Harvey saw an opportunity to help others own their own business by selling the stations to his employees. When they said they couldn't afford to buy the business, Harvey gave them terms that not only made the sale possible but also made it possible for everyone to profit. Years later these employees told Harvey he was the one who made their success in life possible.

A new life phase began when Harvey retired. The years of hard work and sacrifice paid off in a long and healthy retirement filled with activity. One of the things he and Edna enjoyed most was traveling in their motor home seeing the country and visiting relatives. After a few years of "motor homing" the motor home was sold. But that didn't mean the fun had ended. Harvey and Edna bought some property outside of Hill City in Deerfield Park and built a cabin where they made new friends, some of whom became like family to them.

Eventually, it was too much to travel beyond Sturgis. Playing cards while telling stories and sharing memories with those he loved was more than enough to give Harvey fulfillment.

Finally, on April 17, 2023, God brought Harvey into His eternal kingdom, Harvey's life complete and joy consummated.

He is survived by his wife of over 71 years, Edna Viola; his daughter, Wanda and son-in-law, Paul; as well as many sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by dozens of friends. All will miss him greatly.

Harvey Robert Cox, 98, of Sturgis, SD, died Monday, April 17, 2023, at the Department of Veterans Affairs, Fort Meade, SD.

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