Rex Harvey, 73, of Redfield, Iowa, passed Sunday, December 22, 2019, in Prescott, Arizona of a heart attack. Rex was born to Leo Marvel Harvey, and Anna Alice Rote, July 06, 1946, in Dexter, Iowa. Rex is survived by his wife of fifty years, Joan Harvey. His younger brother Ki Harvey (Patricia Harvey). His two children, Jared Lara-Harvey (Peter Lara-Harvey), and Keelie Jena (Alok Jena). As well as two grandchildren, Aiden Jena and Conner Jena.
Rex attended Dexfield High School, where he helped his track and field team win two state championships under the legendary coach Dean Roe. He then earned a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University, where he attended on an athletic track and field scholarship. During which he participated in four U.S. NCAA Division I Championships. Rex was a Vietnam War Veteran, who served as a Captain in the United States Airforce. As a member of the US Military track and field team he represented the United States at many international competitions, as well as the 1972 & 1976 US Olympic Trials in the Decathlon. He went on to earn a Master of Science Degree in Systems Management at the University of Southern California. During his many years as an engineer, he designed and holds several patents for nozzles. He ended his career as a Research Development Engineer at Parker Corporation in Cleveland, Ohio.
Rex continued his track career as a masters competitor, during which he won 13 straight national decathlon championships, as well as several world championships in the decathlon, pole vault, and as a member of several relay teams. He was inducted into the USATF Masters Hall of Fame in 2000. Rex was an integral part of developing age-graded tables for scoring masters track and field athletic performances. He was elected to two terms as Vice President Stadia of World Masters Athletics (WMA). He currently was serving as the President of USATF Masters Track & Field.
A visitation will be held Friday, January 31st, from 6-8 PM at the Redfield United Methodist Church, 715 Jefferson St, Redfield, Iowa 50233. Funeral services will follow on Saturday, February 1st, at 10:00 AM at Redfield United Methodist Church. Burial will be at East Linn Cemetery followed by a luncheon served by the Women's Auxiliary at the America Legion Post 261, 1116 Thomas St, Redfield, IA 50233. Arrangements are by Johnson Family Funeral Home, Dexter, Iowa.
A Rex Harvey Memorial Track & Field Scholarship has been set up by the family in lieu of sending flowers.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/rex-harvey-memorial-track-amp-field-scholarship?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1
Guestbook
Rex Harvey will be missed. He did much to lead the social movement of Masters Athletics. The impact of his life was and is felt around the world. He gave more than he took from life. He was a strong leader: a person of commitment and principles. I have known and worked with Rex for years from local to world levels. His expertise and commitment are not replaceable. My thoughts are with his family and all those that knew him and whose lives were impacted by him. Unfortunately I cannot attend the funeral, but I will do my best to honor and remember him by living a life in his footsteps of excellence and service to others.
Heartfelt condolences to the family from the USATF Florida Assn. We had the gift of his company and wisdom at the recent convention. We have lost a "Great Man"... a toiler. "The heights of great men reached and kept, were not attained through sudden flight; but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward through the night" Wadsworth. Sadly missed.
My condolences for the family and friends. Rex and I were working hard for the next set of age gradings, friday I received his last of hundreds of mails this year to me and sunday he passed away. His enormous knowledge isn't attainable any more. Strength to all.
Our condolences to Rexs family and friends. He will be missed by all of us involved in Masters Track and Field; he supported us all with elegance and patience. Tom and Lesley Hinz
Gianni Lolli sends their condolences.