Harvey was born on June 24, 1942, in McCurtain, Oklahoma, to the late Kenneth and Eddie Belle Blan.
From an early age, he demonstrated discipline, responsibility, and determination. He played basketball and baseball throughout high school and served as captain of the basketball team. He earned a state award for perfect attendance, completing six consecutive years—from grades seven through twelve—without being tardy or missing a single day of school, a point of pride that reflected his lifelong belief in showing up and doing things right.
After graduating from McCurtain High School in 1961, Harvey proudly served two years on active duty in the United States Army at Fort Lee, Virginia. During his service, he earned the Army Good Conduct Medal and qualified as a rifle sharpshooter. In 1969, he married Margret Young, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage and raised two children.
Following his military service, Harvey built a long and steady career at Unity Rig/Terex Mining, spending 30 years in the steel fabrication shop. He took pride in his work and was known for his reliability, craftsmanship, and no-nonsense approach.
Retirement did not slow Harvey down. True to form, he went back to school to learn small engine repair and quickly became the “goto” person wherever he lived for fixing lawnmowers, trimmers, chainsaws, and just about anything with a motor. The parts store he frequented eventually convinced him to come to work for them, where he spent several years repairing motorized lawn equipment full time in their service center. He enjoyed solving problems, tinkering in his garage, and thinking through better ways to make things work. When asked what he would choose as a profession if he could do it all again, his answer was simple: an Inventor.
While his children were growing up, Harvey spent more than a decade coaching his son Don’s baseball and football teams. When he wasn’t coaching, he was at the softball fields supporting his daughter Gayla. His love of baseball extended well beyond his children’s playing years; after they were grown, he stayed close to the game by serving as a Little League baseball umpire. Harvey was an avid sports fan and lifelong supporter of the St. Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys, and the OU Sooners. He had a deep interest in history, spending countless hours researching the Civil War, famous war generals, and war planes used in U.S. conflicts. He pushed himself to learn and excel at many hobbies throughout his life, including bowling, bird watching, fishing, ping pong, and even pinball. He could also grill a mean T-bone steak—better than most restaurants—and took just as much pride in getting it right as he did with everything else.
Those who knew Harvey knew him for his quick wit, dry sense of humor, and direct approach to life. He lived on his own terms and had little patience for shortcuts. Two of his favorite sayings captured him perfectly: “Don’t half-ass it”, and “If you put something back where you found it, it will be there when you need it”.
Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Eddie Belle Blan; Margret Blan, the mother of his children; his brothers Kenneth “K.D.” Blan, Joe Robert Blan, Billy Gene Blan, and Marcus “Pep” Lee Blan; and his sister Joyce Blan.
He is survived by his children, Donald Blan of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, and Gayla Johnson-Lenski (Phil) of Lexington, South Carolina; his grandchildren Brenton and Cody Blan, and Jordan, Jake, and Jenna Johnson; his sisters Naomi “Ruth” Hendrix (Roger) of Poteau, Oklahoma, and Nora Stanley (Bob) of Mustang, Oklahoma; his brother Michael Ray Blan (Susan) of Tulsa, Oklahoma; and many nieces and nephews.
In accordance with Harvey’s wishes, no service will be held. His children wish to extend heartfelt thanks to their Aunt Ruth for the countless hours she devoted to caring for their father, and to Harvey’s neighbors for the kindness they showed during his 23 years in Poteau—checking in on him, sharing food and treats, and keeping him company. In his final months, Heart of Hospice was a comfort when days were hard, and his children thank them for their support and compassion.
Harvey lived a full life marked by curiosity, discipline, loyalty, and humor. He will be missed greatly but remembered fondly by those that loved him.
Online condolences can be made at www.holtfuneralandcremation.com
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