Obituary for Thomas Gale Harvel
Thomas Gale Harvel, 61, died at his home in Peoria, IL on January 15, 2008. He was born to Roy Ted Harvel and Lora Marjorie (Gale) Harvel in Chillicothe, IL, on September 10, 1946. He married Susan Williamson on December 30, 1975 in Peoria. She survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Meghan (Joshua) Knight of Sumter, South Carolina and Lauren of Peoria, his mother, Lora of Bentonville, Arkansas, his sister, Pamila Harvel Green of Peoria, his sister, Jean (Kenneth) Swarts of Houston, Texas, three brother-in-laws, Mike (Jean) Williamson of Belleaire, Florida, Nile (Jeanne) Williamson of Peoria and John (Sally) Williamson of Denver, Colorado as well as nine nephews and nieces. His father preceded him in death. The family moved to Peoria in 1950. Thom was a 1968 graduate of Bradley University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors. He graduated from the Drake University School of Law in 1972 where he earned a Juris Doctorate with honors. While in law school, Thom was awarded the prestigious Order of the Coif. He enlisted in the United States Army midway through law school and served his country in Viet Nam. After he graduated from law school he joined the Peoria law firm of Westervelt, Johnson, Nicoll & Keller where he practiced for the balance of his career. Thom’s legal practice was concentrated in representing management and employer interests representing large corporations, small business entities and numerous governmental bodies, with particular emphasis involving civil rights and employment discrimination matters. He was a member of the Peoria Country, Illinois, Iowa and American Bar Associations. He earned the respect of his clients and his fellow members of the Bar. He was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He served as a volunteer in the Peoria community. Thom had a great love for the Arts and his gardens. His wit and use of the language was well known to all those close to him Thom will be missed by all those who came in contact with him. Cremation rites have been accorded. Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to OSF Hospice. The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. is assisting the family with arrangements.
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