Ronald Gail Harvey

Ronald G. Harvey, 78, of New Braunfels, Texas, passed away on June 22, 2026.

Ron was born on January 5, 1948, in Akron, Iowa, to William "Bill" and Dorothy (McPherson) Harvey. He married Kristi Wessels on December 5, 1970, in Le Mars, Iowa, and together they built a life centered on family, laughter, and hard work. They raised three children—Brenda, Brian, and Beckie—as well as foster son Joshua Wessels.

Ron spent more than 40 years as a truck driver, a profession that suited his independent spirit and love of the open road. Following his retirement from trucking, he spent several years driving tour buses, continuing to do what he enjoyed most—meeting people and sharing stories. After full retirement, Ron and Kris traded Iowa winters for the Texas Hill Country, where Ron could often be found driving a golf cart with KC in tow, making new friends as he went along.

A proud veteran, Ron joined the United States Army in 1968 and served two tours in Vietnam, earning the Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice. He later continued his military career in the Army Reserve, serving for 20 years before retiring as a Major in 1992. Ron was also a devoted member of the American Legion for 56 years and was especially proud of his involvement with Wasmer Post 241 in Le Mars, Iowa.

Ron enjoyed fishing, hunting, scuba diving, riding Harley-Davidsons, and spending time with friends and family. More than any hobby, however, he loved conversation—or, as he would have called it, "shooting the sh*t." He could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, and never met a stranger. He also never missed an opportunity to tease someone, tell a joke, or ask you to "pull his finger." Making people laugh was one of his greatest joys.

Ron also adored his Shih Tzus, though he rarely called them that. To him, they were affectionately known as his little "sh*theads," a nickname delivered with the same affection he had for the little dogs who were never far from his side. He was equally fond of cats, though they were just as likely to be lovingly harassed as they were to be petted.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Kris Harvey of New Braunfels, Texas; his children, Brenda (Damon) LaCour of Lee's Summit, Missouri, Brian (Amber) Harvey of Wichita, Kansas, and Beckie Lamp of Omaha, Nebraska; his grandchildren, Dylan Lamp of San Diego, California, Brady (Bella) Lamp of Le Mars, Iowa, Kelsie Lamp of Omaha, Nebraska, William Harvey and Deana Harvey of Wichita, Kansas, and Marin LaCour of Lee's Summit, Missouri; four great-grandchildren, Eden, Zaira, and Vance Lamp, and Mila Lamp; his brother, William "Bill" (Michele) Harvey of Earlham, Iowa; brothers-in-law Neil Skinner of Faribault, Minnesota, and James "Jim" Lehrman of Le Mars, Iowa; sister-in-law Vikki Masuen of Le Mars, Iowa; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind some very cherished friends, Robert Heynis, Larry and Bonnie Miller, and Kelly and DiAnn Johnson of New Braunfels, Texas, and Don and Pat VonHagel of Enid, Oklahoma.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Dorothy Harvey; his parents-in-law, Armin and Maxene "Max" Wessels; his sister, Diane Skinner; his sister-in-law, Linda Lehrman; his brothers-in-law, Mark Masuen and Raymond “Ray” Robinson; his niece, Karen Huinker; and his beloved dogs, Molly, Pooh Ann, and KC.

In typical Ron fashion, he did not want a funeral. Truth be told, he'd probably just tease you if you cried. Instead, he would want people to laugh. So, in his honor, raise a tomato beer or order a whisky sour with no sour, tell a truly awful Dad joke to someone you've never met, and share a laugh. Nothing would have made him happier.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a veterans organization of your choice. Ron's life was forever impacted by his military service and the effects of Agent Orange exposure. Organizations that held special meaning to him include the American Legion Riders Northwest Iowa Chapter of Wasmer Post 241 in Le Mars, Iowa, and Honor Flight San Antonio, whose mission allowed him to participate in Honor Flight 16 to Washington, D.C., in 2023.

The family extends its sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers of the Veterans Affairs system, DaVita Dialysis, CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital, and Resolute Baptist Hospital for the compassionate care they provided throughout the years.

Ron often said, "I was killed by Agent Orange in Vietnam. It just took me this long to die."

His family finds comfort in knowing that, after a lifetime of service, hard work, laughter, and love, he is finally at peace.