Harvey DeFrees Jr.

Harvey DeFrees Jr., age 92 of Nappanee, IN, died at 2:41 pm on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Waterford Crossing in Goshen, IN.  Harvey was born on June 27, 1933 in Gravelton, IN to Harvey Sr. and Laura (Stump) DeFrees.  He was a 1951 Nappanee High School graduate and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1955. On May 29, 1954 Harvey married Anita Ford at the Eel River Church of the Brethren in Silver Lake, IN. She preceded him in death on August 29, 2023.  Harvey proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WY.  After his time in the Air Force, Harvey worked for General Electric for 25 years in the Cincinnati, OH area. After retirement, Harvey and Anita returned to the Northern Indiana area and lived for 25 years at their cottage on Dewart Lake before returning to Nappanee.  Harvey loved being on the lake and enjoyed boat rides with family and friends.  Harvey was a member of the Nappanee United Methodist Church. Above all else, Harvey was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He especially cherished the time he was able to spend with his grandchildren.  Harvey is survived by 2 children: son, Philip (Rhonda) DeFrees of Muncie, IN and daughter, Elaine (Charles) Howell of Bluff City, TN; 3 grandchildren: Andrew (Ashley) DeFrees of Italy, Sarah (Kerry) Siegrist of Nashville, TN, and Michael (Cheri Tinney) Howell of Elizabethton, TN; step grandson Kristopher Bilbrey of Muncie; and 3 great grandchildren, Kane & Devyn DeFrees and Madeline Siegrist.   Harvey was preceded in death by his parents; wife; and a sister, Carol Burris. Visitation will be held from 10-11 am, with a funeral service beginning at 11 am on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee.  Pastor Chris Stephens of the Nappanee United Methodist Church will officiate and burial will take place in Union Center Cemetery. Harvey’s family wants to express their gratitude to the staff at Heritage House in Nappanee and Waterford Crossing in Goshen for their loving care of Harvey over the years.   Memorial contributions in Harvey’s name can be given to the Nappanee United Methodist Church.