Albert Donald ‘Buster’ Harvey, 87, born on November 16, 1937, in Gonzales, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 22nd, 2025, surrounded by angels and the love of close family. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.A. and Josephine Harvey; his sisters, Gladys Pricer and Rosa Lee Saenz; his brother, Larry Harvey; and his first wife, Lani, with whom he shared 28 years before her passing in 1988. Buster leaves behind a rich legacy that will continue to inspire his family, including his beloved brother Howard and sister-in-law Sherri.
He is survived by his adoring wife, Doreen, with whom he shared 33 wonderful years. Their unwavering bond was a cornerstone of his life, embodying the values of joy and support. He is also survived by his children—Paul Harvey and his wife Marissa, Jamie Harvey and Melissa, Shannon Adams, Shari Gartman and Kenny, and Shane Shipman and Erin—along with ten cherished grandchildren and three great-grandchild, all of whom affectionately called him Pops. Additionally, he is survived by his niece, Donna Mason; his nephew, Shane Mason; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
Buster’s early life as the son of a traveling evangelist and pastor involved constant movement, instilling in him a strong sense of adaptability and faith in God. He attended several high schools, including Caldwell, before graduating from North Zulch High School, where he excelled academically and embraced his passion for baseball and football, ultimately earning a baseball scholarship that highlighted his athletic talent. Known as the life of the party, he lived each day to the fullest, embodying his belief in loving Christ above all else.
Throughout his 45-year career as a superintendent for US contractors, Buster demonstrated a steadfast commitment. He approached his job with the same dedication he had for family, reflecting his belief that a godly man serves with integrity and purpose. Beyond work, Buster enjoyed playing golf and earned recognition for his famous “hole-in-one.” He also collected classic cars and frequently won trophies at car shows while passionately cheering for his favorite teams: the Longhorns, Texans, Astros, and Rockets.
Buster’s impact on those around him was profound. Known for his kindness and humor, he treated everyone he met with grace. His positive outlook reflected his values, consistently expressing gratitude for his blessings. He believed that actions speak louder than words, and his life served as a living testament to his ideals.
His guiding principles shone through the words he inscribed on a visitor board while at the lake: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). He also left his mark at Baylor University, stating: “The wise prevail through great power, and those who have knowledge muster their strength” (Proverbs 24:5), showcasing his belief in the importance of knowledge and strength.
He loved his family with everything he had, embodying Christian values through his deep affection for Doreen. Their bond radiated warmth, genuineness, and happiness, touching everyone around them, including strangers who sensed their special connection. His admiration for Doreen was evident as they brought laughter and devotion to all. They shared a unique understanding, as kindred souls, with backgrounds that were strikingly similar; both of their fathers were preachers, and they were raised with godly standards and common “do’s and don’ts” typical of preacher’s kids. This shared foundation only deepened their love and respect for one another.
One highlight of family gatherings was playing the Mexican Train Game, where Buster, the clown he always was, filled the air with laughter and jokes. His playful spirit led him to serenade his niece with “Oh Donna” on the guitar, alongside countless silly antics that delighted everyone. Buster cherished celebrating every achievement and milestone, attending Astros games and sporting events with his children. He often found himself shaking his head with a grin as he caught one son target practicing with a bow from the roof. He created countless memories with his grandchildren—riding the lawnmower, chasing them with the water hose, and taking rides in his 1956 Ford and 1955 Chevy. He really enjoyed having his family visit and always made sure to have his yard immaculate before everyone showed up. At Christmas, he was the one always wearing the Santa hat, ensuring those moments were filled with happiness.
While he enjoyed traveling, his favorite pastime was being at home, watching sports—especially golf—on TV. Given Doreen’s physical challenges, attending church services regularly wasn’t feasible, so every Sunday morning was dedicated to listening to services on TV, particularly from John Hagee and David Jeremiah. Thursday nights were reserved for watching Larry’s Diner, and Saturday evenings were spent enjoying his favorite singer, Daniel O’Donnell.
Buster truly cherished his time with family. He embraced every minute of life, always smiling through the chaos. He modeled what it means to be a godly man, demonstrating compassion and leaving a lasting mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
He will be deeply missed, and his spirit will resonate in the hearts of family and friends, inspiring them to uphold the integrity he embodied.
Celebration of Life
Date: January 28th, 2025
Time:
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Visitation
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Service
Stroud Funeral Home
538 N. Hwy 288 B
Clute, TX 77531
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to support research and care for Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia.