Harvey Thorpe Marksberry, Jr.

Harvey Thorpe Marksberry, Jr., 88 of Owensboro, died Thursday, December 26, 2024 at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital. He was born June 5, 1936 in Daviess County to the late Harvey, Sr. and Ella Horrell Marksberry. Harvey was the last of 11 siblings to die which included Peggy, Mary Lee, Sam, Gene, Betty, Rachel, Paul, Mildred, John, and Jack. He also was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Marilyn Park Marksberry and a son, Clint Marksberry.

 Harvey lived in Owensboro and attended Owensboro High School having graduated in 1954. He served two years in the Army in the 25th Infantry Division before returning to college where he graduated from Kentucky Wesleyan College in 1961 and then later earned a Masters Degree from Western Kentucky University. He then began his teaching career at Utica Junior High School.

 Harvey served as principal at West Louisville Elementary School before accepting a position with the Kentucky State Department of Education in Frankfort. He returned to Daviess County to serve as Assistant Superintendent responsible for federal programs and then curriculum and instruction.

 In 1983, he moved to Russellville and became the Superintendent of Logan County Schools. He served 13 years in this position and retired in 1996. During his career, he received many honors such as Outstanding Educator of Kentucky, Superintendent of the Year, and Logan County Outstanding Citizen of the Year. He had a great career in education, but he often said that teaching at Utica School and the students that he had an opportunity to reach were the most meaningful part of his career.

 Harvey grew up in the west end of Owensboro, became a member of The Third Street Methodist Church and moved with the church to it’s present location, the St. John United Methodist Church on Griffith Avenue.

 Surviving Harvey are two sons, Scott Marksberry (Charlotte) of Owensboro and Alan Marksberry (Christy) of Lexington; two grandchildren, Laura Grace Marksberry and Carter Alan Marksberry; and a great granddaughter, Henslee Kate Marksberry.

 Funeral services for Harvey will be Noon Saturday, January 4, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory in Owensboro with burial following in Sunnyside Cemetery in Beaver Dam with full military honors. Visitation will be from 3 PM until 7 PM Friday and from 10 AM until the time of the service Saturday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

 Memorial contributions may be made to St. John United Methodist Church, 2160 Griffith Avenue, Owensboro, KY 42301. Messages and condolences to the family can be shared at www.glenncares.com.