Harvey M. Thomas PhD, 87, Liberty, MO, quietly passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday evening, April 16, 2013. The family will gather for a private service and burial in the Mt. Memorial Cemetery on the campus of William Jewell College. A memorial service will be held on Friday May 3rd, 2013, at 4pm, at the Second Baptist Church, 300 East Kansas, Liberty, MO 64068. Following the service all are invited to attend a visitation and reception in the church fellowship hall. Harvey was born September 22nd, 1925 in Marshall, MO, to David Monroe and Sue Elizabeth Thomas. He enjoyed a wonderful childhood growing up in Marshall with his seven sisters. He excelled in his public school education and participated in debate and music. While in high school he was accepted into the Navy V12 officer training program at Missouri Valley College and later was graduated from the Northwestern University Midshipman's School in 1945. He served aboard the Flagship, U.S.S. Taconic as a Tactical Radar and Photography Officer until the war suddenly ended and many young men of his generation returned home. Harvey continued his education at William Jewell College and was graduated in 1947 where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Pi Kappa Delta Debate Society. While in college he met Irene Simon who became his wife and best friend over an amazing 65 years of marriage. Following college graduation Harvey and Irene moved to St. Louis where he attended Washington University to pursue a PhD in Psychology graduating in 1953. While at Washington University Harvey received an invitation to join the Sigma Xi Society for scientific research. Harvey and Irene returned to William Jewell where at age 23, he became Professor and Chairman of the Department of Psychology. They have spent many years since then living in Liberty while raising a family of three boys. Changing careers he joined the firm of Nordli, Ogan, Wilson, Consultants to Management in New York City. He later founded his own Consulting firm, Thomas and Associates, Inc., continuing to practice until retirement in 2009. Dr. Thomas excelled in the complex dynamics of interpersonal relationships in the workplace. Over the years he shared his considerable expertise in individual counseling, group training and personnel research with the management of many Fortune 500 companies and small businesses alike. His perceptive approach to executive selection, career development and team-building was widely recognized, along with his insightful writing on such subjects as creativity, learning theory and interviewing technics. Harvey was a member of the American Psychological Association, Missouri Psychological Association (former Board member), Kansas City Psychological Association, Helzberg Entrepreneurial Mentoring Program, Liberty Public School District (Director), Morningstar Communications Advisory Board, University of Kansas Medical Center Community Advisory Board, Friends of Arrow Rock (Board member), Clayview Swim Club (founding member), Claycrest Golf Club (Board President and founding member), and also served on several Bank Boards. He served continuously from 1959 as a Trustee on the William Jewell College Board of Trustees and enjoyed many years of service as a Deacon at the Second Baptist Church in Liberty. Harvey enjoyed teaching Sunday School for many years. In 1996 he received the William Jewell College Citation for Achievement and in 2003 the Entrepreneurial Mentor of the Year award from the Kansas City Business Journal. Harvey was an accomplished violinist throughout his lifetime. He loved all types of music and performed throughout his life as a soloist and member of several orchestras. He loved all types of ships and was always engaged in building a new ship model for his extensive collection of sailing vessels. Harvey was an avid hiker and over the years returned to England, Ireland, and France for long "walks in the countryside". He was never without his trusty pedometer and logged over 1,000 miles per year for more years than anyone can remember. He gave away many pedometers in hopes of helping others discover the joy he found in walking every day. Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, Monroe and Sue, his brother Harold, and his sisters, Cora Lee Miller (Bill), Curtis Dillard (T.J.), Josephine Keyton (Clifford), Metta Sue Miller (Larry), Ruth Brown (Jack), and Catherine Hurt (Irvin). He is survived by his loving wife Irene and their three sons, Blake and Linda Thomas of Liberty, MO and Dr. Jennifer Swaim of Ames, IA, Kent and Pamela Thomas of Lee's Summit, MO, and Dr. Jonathan and Sue Thomas of Columbia, MO, and his sister Rebekah Gieringer (Joe) of Marshall, MO. He was exceedingly proud of his grandchildren, Lauren Simmons (Ryan) (Kent and Pam), Abigail, Jonathan, and twins Andrew and Joseph Thomas (Dr. Jonathan and Sue). Throughout his lifetime he valued the many teachers from grade school through college who encouraged him in his educational career. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the William Jewell College Scholarship Fund, 500 College Hill, Liberty, MO 64068 and the Friends of Arrow Rock, 310 Main Street, P.O. Box 124, Arrow Rock, MO 65320. Arr: Church-Archer- Pasley Funeral Home, Liberty, MO D
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Harvey was a transitional figure in my life and my career. Great man. I loved him,
Mitch Maggart
April 27, 2022
What an amazing and positive influence he had in the lives of many. He will be sorely missed.
Rob & Stacie Bratcher
April 25, 2013
I would like to extend condolences on behalf of the Liberty Symphony Orchestra. He was a fine musician and a great friend. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Cory Unrein
April 25, 2013
I had the pleasure of having many professional and personal converstations with Harvey. He will be greatly missed.
Steve Novosad
April 24, 2013
I have had the pleasure of working for Irene and Harvey for many years. Harvey always had a kind and encouraging word to say everytime he saw you.I will always be grateful for all his wonderful advice and guidance.I will never forget him.
Katherine Dooley
April 21, 2013
I am grateful for the life of Dr. Thomas. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.
Bob
April 21, 2013
Kent, Carm and I are sorry for the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. God Bless, Gary and Carm Stanton
April 21, 2013
I will miss Harvey.
I have considred him a good and close friend for decades
He leaves a great legacy.
Fred Pryor
April 20, 2013
I will miss seeing Dr. Thomas walk through the neighborhood, he was an inspiration. Blessings to all of the Thomas family.
Debbie Alley Grimm
April 20, 2013
Harvey's frequent visits to the bank are already being missed by all of his friends that he had at BankLiberty.
Larry Norris
April 19, 2013
Dr. Thomas was a mentor to me in my life and career, as well as a close collaborator during my work in management development. During his professional career, he helped an inestimatable number of managers do a better job and make better decisions. His life is a model for continuous learning and growing; and he personally role-modeled strong people skills and moral values applied to the craft of management and leadership. These live on in our memories of him and in the influence he has had on us and how we lead and manage. One final word....Class - Harvey personified it.
Dave Pickhardt
April 19, 2013
I will miss you Uncle Harvey, you were always loving and caring.
Matt Chatfield
April 19, 2013
I will remember Harvey most fondly with a camera in hand documenting many activities around 2BC. I felt a heavy absence at our annual Easter Egg Hunt a couple of weeks ago due to Harvey's absence. He seemed to especially enjoy photographing the many young children of 2BC and their youthful exuberance. His photographs of so many will be a legacy to his memory and will provide a cheerful reminder of Harvey's time on earth. I suspect he's already busy taking heavenly pictures of friends and loved ones with whom he has recently been reunited. Click on, Harvey! We will miss you so much!
Roxann Brenton
April 19, 2013
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