Dr. William Michael “Mike” Harvey, 78, passed away on January 7, 2024, in St. Louis, Missouri.
Mike was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, papa, son, brother, friend, and veterinarian who was deeply loved and will be terribly missed but always cherished and remembered.
Mike was born in Junction City, Kansas, on June 11, 1945, to Helen and Warren Harvey. He attended Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was on the football, basketball, and track teams in addition to serving as Class President his junior and senior years. Mike then went on to Wabash College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology. He was Head Dorm Counselor, Senior Council Vice President, and member of the football team, track team, Eta Sigma Phi Honor Society, and Blue Key Honor Society. After graduating from Wabash College in 1967, Mike married his high school sweetheart, Donna Burnette, and they moved to West Lafayette, Indiana, where Mike attended Veterinary School at Purdue University. During Mike’s final year at Purdue, his daughter, Tina, was born and following graduation in 1971, Mike, Donna, and Tina moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where Mike would reside and practice veterinary medicine for the next 52 years.
Mike began his career at Lemay Animal Hospital during which time his second daughter, Kimberly, was born. Mike worked at Lemay Animal Hospital for 15 years until, in 1986, he decided to open his own practice and that is when Lemay Plaza Veterinary Clinic was established. For over 50 years, Dr. Harvey or “Doc” as many called him gave his heart and soul to the veterinary profession. He never retired because he loved his work so much and at the age of 78, he was still a practicing veterinarian. He loved the community, he loved the relationships he built with clients, many of whom have been with him for countless years, and, of course, he loved his four-legged friends.
If you knew Mike, you probably also knew all about his wife, his kids, and especially his grandkids. He loved them fiercely and never missed an opportunity to brag about them to anyone and everyone.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Warren Harvey; his in-laws, Betty and Harold Jacobs; and his brother, Thomas Harvey.
Mike is survived by his wife of 56 years, Donna Harvey (nee Burnette); daughters Tina (Randy) Pickens and Kimberly (Marc) Harvey-Manus; grandchildren Kristine, Katie, and Caleb Pickens; pets and grandpets Chelsie, Grayce, Mowgli, Louie, Berry, Bronco, and Delilah; sister Susan (Mark) Minges; sister-in-law Kim (Hebbeler) Harvey; nephews Jason (Rhonda) Furry and Scott (Kathie) Furry as well as many extended family, friends, clients, and fur babies.
To celebrate the incredible life of Dr. Mike Harvey, please join his family on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Kutis Funeral Home (5255 Lemay Ferry Road). Visitation will begin at 4:00pm with a memorial service to follow at 6:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations, in memory of Dr. William Michael Harvey, may be made to Open Door Animal Sanctuary online athttps://odas.org/donate/ or by mail to P.O. Box 870, House Springs, MO 63051.
We are so very thankful for the life and service of Dr. Harvey. He is missed already! The Kittinger Family
Dr. Harvey was a great Veterinarian. He took care of his animals as if his own. We had all our dogs go to Dr. Harvey and he had remedy cures for each one.
Athena was his last cure and she will miss you a lot.
She is doing great thanks to Dr. Harvey.
So Sorry for the families loss.
We mark events in our lives by how old our kids were when something happened and which animals we had at the time. Mike Harvey was our vet since about 1975. He inadvertently was a part of our whole history. He was critical to the health of so many of our rescued animals (resuscitating a cat who reacted to a vaccination, removing tumors, saving a mange-infested stray puppy who grew to be one of our best dogs), but he was always willing to listen to another opinion (when our recovering female setter refused to eat dog food but found the will to live with peanut butter and braunschweiger–he was duly impressed). He wasn’t just our vet, he was a dear old friend and irreplaceable. The Durbins
Forever grateful for Dr. Harvey. He has helped us welcome 3 rescues to our family and made sure they got the care needed without breaking the bank. He was always matter of fact and showed care for regular and emergency visits. He has touched the lives of many in this community and will be greatly missed by animals and humans alike.
I got to know Doc back in the 70s when I worked as a kennel boy for him and the other doctors at the Lemay animal hospital. I still remember some of the fun pranks and jokes he and the other Doc’s did but I especially remember the time they did a successful surgery, including installing a pacemaker in a dog. I know he is going to be sadly missed by so many. I was one of the people who confided in him, he always like to hear about my hunting adventures out west, and I enjoyed him talking about such things as getting a scooter so he could watch his grandson play football amongst other things. I know Dr Harvey’s going to be missed by so many. My condolences and prayers go to the family.
Prayers for the family what a wonderful man. He will truly be missed .so sad .. the best bet around a legend RIP
Dr. Harvey took great care of my three Yorkies. When they were at the end, he was most thoughtful and sympathetic. He gave my girls and I all the time we needed to give our last good-byes.
When I moved to Maryland Heights, I attained another dog. Because of the distance, I could not go to Mehlville, but I never found another Vet as fine as Dr. Harvey. God bless him.
Dr. Harvey was a great vet and wonderful human being . He took care of our pets and I loved the way he would make jokes . He will be very missed . Prayers for family . Thank you Dr Harvey for all you did. Now get out there and enjoy the afterlife . You’ve earned it .
Thoughts and prayers to Dr. Harveys family. He was the BEST vet ever. No one will be able to replace him. . He has taken care of our pets for over 30 year. So sorry for your loss.
I started going to Doc 20+ years ago. He helped me through puppyhood to final goodbyes. He educated me and welcomed my questions . He often offered shots for my grandkids lol. So many memories. He was the most compassionate vet I have ever had. There will never be another Dr Harvey and I and my little fur family are going to miss him. I cannot wait to see you on the other side. Give Snoopy, Jerry and Chandler a big hug for me. I bet they ran right into your arms!
Sorry for your loss. What a wonderful vet that devoted his heart and soul into the practice. There will never be another like him.
We are so sorry for the family’s great loss. Dr. Harvey was truly a wonderful human being. I recall the first time we brought one of our kitties to him for veterinary care. We discovered him through a friend after a very bad experience. We knew instantly on meeting him that he was not only an excellent veterinarian, but a kind and trustworthy one as well. He always treated us like friends he was giving wise pet advice to. The Doc was truly amazing and we will never forget him. He will be quite impossible to replace both as a Vet and a long time friend. We will miss him sorely.
God bless Dr. Harvey and all who loved him! What a great veterinarian and human being. He was my vet for 25 years and I always appreciated his gentle way with my Yorkie, Lillie! There won’t be another more dedicated vet…he was the best!
My prayers go out to Dr.Harveys family. He was a kind man and a great veterinarian. He will truly be missed.
Sorry for your loss.
Sending love and prayers to Doc Harvey’s family. He was the best. He took the time to splint my cats broken tail and it took. Her tail was perfect. And if he didn’t know what was wrong with a pet, he would research it until he knew what to do. There will never be another Doc Harvey. Rest In Paradise Doc
Sending prayers to Dr Harvey’s family. He was a wonderful veterinarian, family
Man and racing buddy. Rest in peace Mike!
You will be missed. 🙏🙏🙏
Rest in peace Dr. Harvey. Our fur babies thank you for all you have done. Now it’s your turn to rest easy.
Dr. Harvey had a heart of gold. Always treated the Beason dogs fantastic. He will truly be missed. Condolences to the family.
Joyce Beason
Imagine all the love he got when he got to the bridge, much like the love he got here. RIP doc.
Our condolences to Dr. Harvey’s family. Thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
We will miss his knowledge, compassion, and care he provided. He was my family’s veterinarian he will be missed. One of a kind! Thank you for your service. 🐾
So sorry about hearing of Dr Harvey’s passing. I first meet Dr. Harvey in 1969 when we got our St. Bernard and continued to follow him up until the passing of iet dog 4 years ago.
Rest in peace with on pain
My heart goes out to Dr.Harveys family. You will never be replaced you were 1 in a million you took care of my fur babies Haley and Chloe.. you will be forever missed.. Peace to the family.. love from Kathy Crawford ,haley and Chloe
Our condolences to Dr. Harvey’s family. We took all of our pets to Dr. Harvey since he opened his office. He was great with the pets and loved joking around with our kids. He had so much compassion for his work. He will be greatly missed!
RIP Dr. Harvey. You were one of a kind.
A truly caring man. Thank you Harvey family for sharing him with his many clients
Dr. Harvey will be missed greatly. Our family loved him as our vet. He took care of 3 of my fur babies. I remember him staying open when I called and told him I thought my silky terrier, Maggie might need to be put down because she was in a lot of pain. He was so kind to us and helped us through a very emotional time. He was a wonderful doctor, no one could possibly replace him. Pamela Meyer
RIP Dr. Harvey. He was one of the best vets I have ever taken my fur babies too. No one will ever be able to take his place. He will truly be missed by all. My condolences to his family and friends you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I am sure there were plenty of fur babies to greet him as he made his journey to heaven.
To the Harvey family my condolences.Such a wonderful Vet. So caring . He’s been a great human being as well and will be sorely missed. Rest in peace, Dr. Harvey. You’re the Best.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Dr Harvey’s family . He was the most amazing and kind person I have ever met .He truly love all of his patients and there families . Fly high my friend you will be missed .
Doctor Harvey was the Sweetest, Kindest, and Best Vet in town and the most reasonably priced too. I am Truly Sorry to all of Doctor Harvey’s Family, Friends, his Customer’s and the Numerous Fur baby patients. I can only Imagine the Number of Dogs, Cats, and other Animals That Crowded around the Rainbow Bridge Welcoming Dr. Michael Harvey into his Forever Paradise Home.
May God Give Everyone Comfort and Strength During this Very Difficult Journey.
The Haller Family
Doctor Harvey was a very kind, caring, irreplaceable veterinarian. My family has been going to him since around 1977. My husband usually took our dog, Angel, to the vet’s office . So, when the vets of Lemay Animal Hospital were separating, I asked my friend, Pat, who she was going to use as her vet. She said, “Doctor Harvey. Wherever HE goes, , I go.” So, that’s what we did. And what a great decision that was. He was, as everyone has stated, absolutely one-of-a-kind. My sympathy goes out to his family for their great loss. Sounds like he was not only a fantastic vet, but a loving husband, father, and grandfather, also. The world won’t see another one like him!
Thanks for your love and caring for our 4 legged babies. RIP
I’d been with Doc for the past 25 years. My mom retired from his practice about 7 years ago. She was his cleaning lady. We all loved Doc and he was truly amazing and loved our animals. He treated everyone fairly and was one of a kind. He will be missed so very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dr. Harvey was truly one in a million. I would always call him the “James Herroit of South County” when I was in with our pets. He was always eager to help with any questions that you had, even if it was a general question about all animals. If you saw him outside the office, he was always happy to see you. He cared for all animals and their human companions. He will be missed beyond words. I have no doubt that his past patients all crowded around the Rainbow Bridge welcoming him into his forever paradise home.
— The Allhoff and Zanti family
Mike and I were first cousins and our two families grew up together in Indianapolis. He was closer in age to my three older brothers so we didn’t spend as much time together. However, I will always remember Mike as a really good guy, very athletic, and certain about his direction in life. We had so many great years visiting each others houses, playing in the side yard at Grandma and Grandpa’s house during the running of the Indy 500, and just having fun as kids. His legacy is apparent in not only his long and beloved career as a vet and the outpouring of love a gratitude seen in the comments here, but also as a loved husband, father, brother, grandfather, cousin, uncle and friend to so many. Via Con Dios, Mikey.
Dr. Harvey took great care of both of my fur babies over the years and he was always so kind. I remember the years at Lemay Animal Hospital and we followed him into his own practice. He will be greatly missed and it was a privilege to have known him.
Dr. Harvey was our family’s vet for a very long time. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. We especially loved his quick wit and obvious love of animals. He took such great care of all our dogs with his knowledge and compassion. He was a wonderful man and the best vet around.
Our prayers go out to his family. It breaks my heart to know he is gone.
RIP Dr. Harvey
Dr. Harvey you will be missed. A special man and extraordinary vet. My dogs and I have been very blessed to have him as their doc for the past 28 years. He was always positive and caring towards me and my dogs. His passion for his work was evident every time I’d see him. So very sorry for his family, his colleagues and his other patients.
Dr. Harvey will be sorely missed by his clients. Always kind and always knowledgeable. This is a terrible and shocking loss. My condolences to his family.
Started taking my pets to Dr. Harvey when he was with Lemay Animal Hospital he was the most caring and compassionate vet I have ever met , he was about the animal and would provide the best care . When ever he had to be off for his surgeries and other family matters he would tell me, go on to someone else till I return, but I really only trusted his opinion. I was trying to call to make sure Dr Harvey was back from Christmas and New Year holidays because my cat of 20yrs that he delivered had a earache and thats when I read the bad news that he was gone. There will never be another Dr. Harvey he was simply the best!
Dr. Harvey is and will continue to be truly missed.
There was no Vet more knowledgeable than Doc Harvey, nor more caring for our pets.
He kept his prices low when he could have charged much more. A sign that he cared for us owners too.
Dr. Harvey was my Vet for over 40 years, and I truly grew to love and admire him.
He was fantastic with my dachshund Coco.
I am truly sorry for the Harvey family loss.
Dr. Harvey was such a blessing to our family. I remember when we first started taking our pets to him. My mom was so impressed with his care and professionalism and his tender care. He has been the trusted “doc” for our family pets for well over 30 years. As I started my own family he became the doc for my own family pets.
I remember he would joke and interact with my little kids who would always join me when we visited Dr Harvey. He could tell that they were nervous for their animals and he would do his best to ease their concern and engage them.
His love and care for so many people’s furry friends was remarkable, but I think he touched the hearts of each of us even more. I don’t think we will ever find another Doc like him.
So grateful we knew him. He will be missed.
Love and prayers to the Harvey family from the Byrds.
What an incredible loss. Dr Harvey was an amazing find. Referred to me by a friend, he was with my wonderful pup 16 long years; from her beginning until we had to say our goodbye a few months ago. It was such a comfort that Dr Harvey knew her and me. He was so knowledgeable, trustworthy, and he cared so much for the pets and people. Regardless of where I moved, I had no plans to take my baby to anyone other than Dr Harvey. He will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to his family.
I have just realized I missed the services for Dr. Harvey tonight. I am so mad at myself and very sad.
To Dr. Harvey’s family,
I want to tell you he was the BEST veterinarian to my dogs and to EVERY animal he treated. I loved his caring and genuine interest in not putting animals through unnecessary painful treatment or on drugs. He was very honest and upfront with what my dogs were going through. When my Airdale terrier turned 12 she was suffering, losing weight and back legs not working good. He said “I can give you about 6 more months with her on meds, but it would be for you not her, she will decline more and more.” I had brought her in on my birthday and he said let’s wait a few days, this is not a good day for you to do this. He was honest and I felt at peace making the decision. My next dog was a rescued wire fox terrier and he was the best with her and the unexpected litter she had a month after I got her .He knew everything about the breed and said I had to make a decision about docking puppies tails. After he explained everything , I said no docking. His knowledge and experience could not be matched. Our dear Lord broke the mold with Dr. Harvey. We all miss him dearly.
Dr. Harvey saved many of my pets who other vets would have put to sleep. His deep passion and care for animals and the connections owners made with their pets was his number one priority. Dr. Harvey let the care come first and money come 2nd. He was more than a vet, he was a land angel. Just before Christmas he helped me with my grandpup and asked about my old boy Buddy the yellow lab. Doc was telling to call him asap when j got a sample from Buddy bc he was concerned. I wasn’t even in there for Buddy! Doc knew his stuff. He is one of the good ones! I’m sure Doc is up in heaven surrounded by all the animals he extended live for. To the family, deepest condolences in your time of loss. Dr. Harvey is already greatly missed!
My deepest condolences to the family. Dr. Harvey took such great care of all our animals throughout the years. He will be missed.
Dr. Harvey was one of a kind and will be truly missed. He cared for our array of pets for over 25 years. We had a habit of adopting stray dogs from the woods on some of our camping trips. I would bring them to Doc for testing and shots and cleanup. After about the third dog we found this way, Doc joked that maybe we shouldn’t go camping anymore! I always appreciated how straightforward, honest and helpful he was and he never tried to talk you into any expensive treatment that might not be successful. He was absolutely the best. I honestly don’t know what we will all do without him. He was an angel on earth and now he’s an angel in heaven surrounded by all the animals he cared for and more. My deepest sympathy to his family.
I originally met Dr Harvey at Lemay Animal Hospital. He was my vet there for 10 years. When he went on his own and opened his own business, I have been with him until the angels needed him. I’m sorry for the families loss, and he will be missed so much by his customers and all of the pets.
My heart, and prayers go out to the Harvey family. Doc was the best vet ever! So kind and honest. He never missed a chance to brag on his family. I can only imagine how much you will miss him, but it is rare you have someone who is just so extraordinary that their life must be celebrated, Doc was definitely that special. May your memories, and knowing how many people he helped, keep you smiling through the tears and bring you closer together. I feel very blessed to have known Doc Harvey.
Doctor Harvey was such a wonderful man and veterinarian.
For over 35 years he took care of all our dogs in such a special caring way.
Thank you Dr. Harvey and God Bless you and your entire family.
Dr.Harvey-intelligent and compassionate.
Never holding back the truth, but always showing empathy. Dedicated to his profession with tireless efforts to help heal and thrive. Personal attention to every patient and always motivated to do more to help. Funny, heartwarming, personality. But would not tolerate the lack of care and attention. Cannot find the words to tell how heartbroken our families are to lose Doc. Knowing the Harvey family is grieving the loss of a husband, father and grandfather. We have been with Doc since 1991. Helping to care for my first cat and through the many years of care with our dog and cat family. Thank you to the Harvey family for sharing him with all the families with pets that needed his care.
Rich and Debbie Byrd and all our furry family members.
Dr. Harvey has taken care of our animals for 28 years. Losing him is like losing a dear and trusted friend. Much sympathy to his family at his passing.
I just found out about Dr. Harvey’s passing when I called to tell him I’m getting a new puppy. I first met him at Lemay Animal Hospital many years ago. I had been taking my Sadie to him at Lemay Plaza . In 2020 I had to have Sadie put to sleep. I was so distraught and Dr. Harvey was so very kind and compassionate. I told him then no more dogs. This is too hard. He said you’ll know when it’s time. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing. He will be missed.
I’m so sorry for your loss and want to extend our condolences to your family. Dr. Harvey was our vet for over six years and it will be hard to find another vet that is as kind to animals & their caregivers as he was. Wishing you God’s comfort & peace.
I just learned of Dr. Harvey’s passing today. He cared for our poodle who passed several years ago. His kindness to us and gentleness with Sam, our dog, was truly appreciated at the time and is something that my wife Mary and I would talk about often after Sam was gone.
I am sure that I will always keep him in my memories. Mary and I humbly offer our condolences to the family of Dr. Harvey.
We just recently heard of Dr. Harvey’s passing and wanted to extend our condolences. We were shocked because he was so full of life. He had so much energy and taught others how to live. He was our vet for, l believe, around 30 years. We trusted him entirely with our dog babies. He was so kind and compassionate when we brought our dogs to him. The fact that he worked until his passing showed his divine character. He knew that not everyone could afford expensive vet care and kept his prices down so normal people could have the opportunity to have dogs to love. Likewise, he had morning and evening hours to be there for his dog patients and families, which shows his love for all. I hope his family knows how much we appreciated all that he did, as well as, the sacrifices made by his family to be there for us. As I am writing this, I have tears in my eyes, and I am not a big crier. It shows that Dr. Harvey was more than a vet, he was a role model in so many ways. We will miss him so much. Sincerely, Bob and Sharon Gerau and Family