T. Harvey

AMemorial Service is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 11 at First United Methodist Church in Artesia, for former Artesia resident T. W. Coach Harvey of El Paso, Texas. Coach Harvey passed away surrounded by loved ones on Friday, September 3, 2010 in El Paso.

Robby Ballew and James Edwards will officiate at the service. The family suggests that those attending the service wear their Bulldog Orange colors in his honor. A reception will be held immediately following the service for wellwishers to visit with the family.

T. W. was born March 1, 1933 in Abilene, Texas to Jessie and Thiele Harvey. He was the youngest of nine children and grew up in Odessa, Texas. After graduating from Odessa High School, T. W. attended and received his Bachelors Degree from Texas Western College in 1954. He later received his Masters Degree in Education from Eastern New Mexico University. He spent two years in service for his country in the United States Navy. T. W. began and ended his teaching and coaching career in El Paso. However, the majority of his career was spent teaching History at Artesia High School and coaching football for the Artesia Bulldogs in Artesia. He spent 15 years as the Bulldogs defensive coordinator, helping them to win 10 state championships. He was the head coach of the Bulldogs from 1984 to 1988 leading them to 2 state championships.

His passions were his family and his students and players, whom he considered his extended family. Throughout his career, Coach Harvey influenced and touched many young peoples lives. T. W. kept in touch with his former football players and students by sending them birthday cards every year. He became an integral part of many of his students and players current lives through these cards, as well as phone calls, until his passing. His notebook of addresses and phone numbers was a treasure that was always kept close by. His many legendary catch phrases are often repeated by his family, friends, coworkers, students and players. Coach Harveys spirit and legacy will continue to live on in many football stadiums throughout the states of New Mexico and Texas every fall when the Friday Night Lights are turned on.

T. W. was preceded in death by his parents and five sisters. He is survived by his wife, Isela Harvey of El Paso two sons, Jesse Harvey of Austin, Texas and Tom Harvey and his wife Valerie of Plains, Texas and one daughter, Karla Porras and her husband Dr. Luis Porras of El Paso. Coach Harvey also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Ryan Harvey and his wife Christie of Refugio, Texas, Raven, Ranger and Raider Harvey of Plains, and Tito, Toby, Karly and Jacqueline Porras of El Paso. He is also survived by two sisters, Patty Maddux of Elgin, Texas and Geraldine Frady of Crosby, Texas one brother Fred Harvey of Kosciusko, Miss. and three stepchildren, Eddie Agan and his wife Noemia of El Paso, Lisa Agan and her husband Mike of Tucson, Ariz., and Jack Lutz of Las Cruces, N.M.

In honor of T. W.s passion for kids and the game of football, his children ask that memorial contributions be made to the T. W. Harvey Memorial Fund to be used for the Artesia, N.M., Plains, Texas and Cathedral High School of El Paso, Texas football programs. Donations can be sent to the Artesia Credit Union, co Margaret McCaleb, P. O. Box 406, Artesia, NM 88210.