Harvey H. Idel Sr.

Harvey H. Idel Sr., 90, of Jefferson City, died Friday, May 3, 2013, at Jefferson City Manor. He was born March 16, 1923, in Owensville, Missouri, a son of Fred and Lydia (Miller) Idel. He was a graduate of Owensville High School. In 1942, Harvey was united in marriage to Arilla Brandhorst, who preceded him in death on May 6, 1989. On March 3, 1990, he was united in marriage to Violet Reed Idel, who survives at their home. Harvey worked for Riley Chevrolet for over 30 years before teaching Mechanics at Nichols Career Center until his retirement. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2693 and the American Bowling Association. Harvey loved Bluegrass and ole time country music. In 1946, Harvey played Bass Fiddle (Doghouse Fiddle) with the C & O boys. He played with the C & O Boys for 25 years till they disbanded. He was one of the original jammers at the Taos Corner. In 2005, he took up playing the Hound Dog Dobro. He would play nights at Johnny's Butcher Shop, Beverly Health and Rehab Center, Brazito-Honey Creek Lions Club and the Moniteau County Nutrition Center. Harvey also played weekly at the Capital Mall Senior Center and McDonald's on Jefferson City's east side. He was very passionate about his music and loved to play along with the Saturday night Rolla Bluegrass on the radio. He also enjoyed fishing, bowling and traveling in his motorhome. Other survivors include two sons: Harvey Idel Jr., and wife Doris of Jefferson City, Stan Idel of Jefferson City; one daughter, June Rackers and husband Bob of Vandalia; eight stepchildren: Charles Whitworth and wife Tammy, Gloria Thornton and husband Gary, Merium Gross, Theresa Noll and husband Greg, Trudy Smith and husband Ron, Nicki Luebbert and husband Kent, Evelyn Strope and husband Gary, Marcia Ferguson and husband Mike; 30 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Alfred and Wilber Idel; one sister, Lillie Idel Bunner; one granddaughter and one step-daughter. Friends will be received from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 8, 2013, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, May 9, 2013, at the Houser-Millard Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens, Expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Diabetes Association or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, , 2613 W. Main St., (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com