Harvey Dean Josh

Harvey Dean Josh was born April 20, 1933 in Yuma, CO to Walter and Nova (Wall) Josh.  He passed away on Monday, May 7, 2018 at Highland Ranch, Colorado at the age of 85. 

            He started working at Northside Machine Shop with his dad and uncle at the age of 8 years old. For a youth, he was an accomplished welder and was called to do jobs in spaces that his dad could not fit into, like combine bins. At the age of 11 he was playing with his toy cars & his dad called him in to do a welding job. The customer was very skeptical at first but ended up giving him a dollar tip which was a lot of money at that time.  Harvey eventually bought his Uncle Frank’s half of the business in 1967 thus being partners with his dad until they sold the business in 1976.  He continued to work there until 1979 when the shop again was sold.  He then opened the Metal Surgeon in 1980. In 1996 Harvey partially retired with his son, Kent, taking over the business.

            He attended Yuma Union High School and graduated in the class of 1951.  He bought his first motorcycle the day after he graduated; a 1949 Harley for $600.  Later he joined the motorcycle group called Yuma Angels with friends Dale VanHorn, Gaylen Cox and others I’m sure.  He enjoyed motorcycling for 58 years.

            He was drafted into the Army in 1953 serving during the Korean Conflict.  One of his fond memories was that he got to eat dinner at Audie Murphy’s table.  They were in the exact same company. In case you didn’t know, Audie Murphy was the most decorated infantryman of WWII.  Harvey attained the rank of Corporal before being honorably discharged in 1955.

            In 1956 he met a young lady by the name of Dorothy Grauel while she was working at the Blue Bird Café.  They got married on June 2, 1957 in her parent’s home south of Abarr.  Their marriage continued for 52 years until the time of Dorothy‘s passing in 2009.  They were blessed with 3 children Kent, Loyce & Marie.

            Harvey enjoyed being active in various organizations. He was a member of the Odd Fellow lodge for 51 years, a member of the Yuma Presbyterian church since 1961 being an elder for 6 of those years and he served as a City Council member for 4 years.

            He served 22 years on the Yuma Volunteer Fire Dept from 1957-1980.  He served as Fire Chief for two years and another two years as Secretary during this time period.  As a fireman he experienced many dangerous situations yet he took great pride in being able to help people when he could.  He told many stories of the good times like the Fireman’s Ball and the bad times such as loss of life. His stories are far too numerous to relay.

He also had many hobbies he enjoyed like shooting muzzleloaders, hunting, fishing and just plain tinkering.  He built, collected and restored old engines and displayed them at antique engine shows.  He was one of the founders of the Old Thresher’s organization.  He did his fair share of colleting coins, stamps and treasures only he could envision how to use. (His family called it JUNK!)  He always was trying to invent something to make life easier.  He had a passion for genealogy and tracing his family history as well. 

            Harvey is survived by his children, Kent(Dana) Josh, Loyce Bushey and Marie(Earl) McCasland; Sister Verna Manning; grandchildren: Cameron(Keriann) Josh, Caroline Josh & fiancé Fernando Saenz, Cashlin Josh, Kelleigha Josh, Julie Bushey, Melissa Bushey, Nicholi(Charleen) McCasland, and Tiana McCasland; Great grandchildren: Ryker Kerst and Stormy McCasland; and numerous extended family and friends.

            Services were held May 14, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church in Yuma with Randy Feathers, CRE officiating.  Baucke Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.  Memorials are preferred.

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