Deacon Harvey Stonum

DEACON HARVEY STONUM
"PAW-PAW"
The Legacy of a Faithful Servant
At the young, spirited age of 95, Deacon Harvey Stonum humbly accepted the call of our Lord and Savior, surrounded by his loved ones on February 15, 2025, at 4:27 pm. Deacon Harvey Stonum was born on February 16, 1929, to Ed and Maggie Stonum in Caldwell, Texas. He attended public school in Caldwell, TX graduating from Freeman High in 1949. Following graduation, Harvey enrolled at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, where he majored in Mathematics. He later pursued a degree in Business Administration from People's Business College in Austin. Recognizing the importance of education, he instilled this value in his children and grandchildren. Additionally, Harvey earned his certification as a Surgical Technician from Del Mar College.
In 1951, Harvey was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served until, he was injured in combat in 1953, while serving in the Korean War. In 1955, he married his first love, Mrs. Mary Nell Parker-Stonum, which led him to relocate to Corpus Christi, Texas, to be closer to his family. Together, Harvey and Mary Nell had two children, they also raised their twin granddaughters. They were married for 30 years until her passing in 1985. In 1993, he married his second wife, an old college love, Mrs. Shirley Jean Butler-Stonum, with whom he had one child. They shared 27 years of marriage until her death in 2020.
To support his family, Harvey held various jobs, including working as a Surgical Technician at Memorial Medical Center and Driscoll Children's Hospital. In 1964, he became an employee at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas. While at the Naval Base, he took several roles. Ultimately working in Military Payroll for the Navy. He retired from the Naval Base in 1995 after 35 years of dedicated service.
Harvey was not only a mentor to many but also served as a leader in the community. He was always willing to help others, positively impacting many lives both locally and beyond. His efforts contributed to the New Edition obtaining sidewalks, and he collaborated with various community organizations. He served as President of Track 16, for many years. He also volunteered, cooked, served and became the president at the Greenwood Senior Citizen Community Center. He served as a cross guard for the Corpus Christi Independent School District for 12 years. Additionally, he worked as an Election Judge and Voter Election Clerk and was involved with the Boy Scouts of America. The community was very important to him, and he enjoyed connecting with people, always offering advice when needed and not needed.
Harvey became a witness for the Lord at a young age, joining Galilee Baptist Church in Caldwell, Texas, under the guidance of Rev. P.C. Gray. He served faithfully there until he moved to Corpus Christi. Where he united with Calvary First Baptist Church in 1955, led by Dr. H.C. Dilworth. Under Pastor Dilworth's leadership, Harvey was ordained as a Deacon on November 23, 1960. He participated in the Young Adult Choir, Men's Choir, and Mass Choir. As his Christian journey expanded, he served as Superintendent of Sunday School for over 68 years while also teaching. He later became a Senior Deacon under Pastor C.E. Richardson, overseeing the Dilworth Scholarship Fund, chairing the Christmas Baskets, directing Vacation Bible School, and working with the BTU Training Union. He was President of the State Brotherhood and actively engaged with the State, Regional, District, and Local Brotherhood. His participation in the National Sunday School Convention which took him across the country. Harvey was a man of good work. He was not shy about sharing the goodness of God, which he shared every chance he had, blessings others without even realizing it. His deep faith allowed him to live the life he taught about, making him a legend in his own way.
Harvey is proceeded in death by his Parents (Ed and Maggie), sisters (Florine, Neola, and Samantha), Brothers (Alvin, Eddie, LeRoy, and George). He is also preceded in death by two sons James E. Morris and Gary L. Stonum, grandson Bennie D. Heslip III, and great grandson Jeremiah Heslip.
He leaves to cherish his legacy his daughters Rhonda R. Stonum-Robinson (Roodney), Houston, TX, LaWanda Stonum-Smith (Shawn), Corpus Christi, LaFonda Stonum–Johnson (Brandon) Corpus Christi, TX two sons Jerry Tolbert Fort Worth TX and Michael Butler Lufkin, TX. A Great Grandson that he also helped raise Christopher Harvey Stonum, Corpus Christi, TX. A great-granddaughter Khaiylah Smith whom he called, "Sweetheart," that he cherished, and she kept him in line. He has two Granddaughters LaToya Butler, and LaTasha Stonum, seven grandsons DeChristopher Heslip (LaQuesha), Derrick Heslip, Antwon Heslip (Kim), James Morris Jr., Gary Morris, Cedrick Morris, and Jeremy Morris. Harvey has 19 Great Grandchildren, and 4 Great-Great Grandchildren, and one Daughter in law Erma Morris. As well as a host of nieces, and nephews, and three God-Children.