Obituaries
Obituary for Harvey Masimore
Harvey Masimore, passed away on Monday, May, 22. 2023. He was born on June 22, 1924, in Des Moines, IA to Harvey S. and Mary Ann Masimore. He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, and three brothers. He is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Janet Masimore; daughters Karen Storts (Ladd Bell) Barrigada, Guam, Kathy Chambers (Jim) Peoria, IL, sons Leigh Masimore (Maggie) Naples, FL, Lyle Masimore (Mary Beth) Harbor Springs, MI, 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Harvey graduated from Lincoln High School, Des Moines IA, lettering in track. In 1942, just before his 18th birthday, he enlisted in the Coast Guard. He served as a radio operator for the USS LST169 in the Pacific, participating in the invasions of Saipan and Leyte. Later he was the first member of the Peoria Naval Reserve unit called to active duty during the Korean War, serving on the Naval destroyer USS John F. Pierce.
Following his service in WWII, he enrolled at Drake University, Des Moines IA, where he met his future wife, Janet Reid Leigh, also of Des Moines. After two years at Drake, he followed Janet to the University of Iowa, where he graduated in 1948 with a BS in Accounting. After graduation he was accepted into the first Accounting Trainee Program at Caterpillar Tractor Co., Peoria, IL. He worked at Cat for over 37 years, holding various accounting and data processing positions and managing Caterpillar’s pension fund from 1968-1978. One of the highlights of his career was the 6 years he and Janet spent in Tokyo, Japan where he was the Director of Finance for Caterpillar-Mitsubishi. He retired in 1985.
During his years in Peoria, he served as the President of the South Side Mission of Peoria, President of the Peoria Chapter National Association of Accountants, President of Mt Hawley Country Club and Treasurer of The Dirksen Congressional Research Library, and Governing Member of the Peoria Area Community Foundation. He also served as Treasurer of First Presbyterian Church, now United Presbyterian Church, Peoria, Il.
Harvey loved his family, golf, travel, and the Cubs. Following his retirement, he and Janet returned to Peoria and became ‘snowbirds’, spending 24 winters golfing, visiting casinos, playing bridge, and enjoying Mardi Gras parades with friends at their winter home in Diamondhead, MS. After moving to Buehler Home in 2015, he started the Buehler Veterans Club, honoring the servicemen and women living there.
The family would like to thank Dr Kouri and the staff at Buehler Home Health Care Center for the outstanding care Harvey received.
Memorial Service will be on Friday, June 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Wright & Salmon Mortuary with a one hour prior visitation. Rev. Debra Avery will officiate. Burial of ashes will follow at United Presbyterian Church in Peoria, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Peoria Rescue Ministries or Center for Prevention of Abuse, Peoria, IL.
Friends and family may view full obituary and sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com
Events
Event Information
Services will be set for a future date to be determined.
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