Michael L. Harville Sr.

With deep sadness, the family of Michael Lee Harville, Sr., of Fort Worth, Texas, formerly of Creston, announce his passing the morning of April 20, 2022, at age 76. A kind, gregarious, and adventurous soul, he will be greatly missed.

Michael was born July 1, 1945, in Creston, Iowa, to Juanita and Earl Darrell Harville. His father’s job with the railroad moved the family to a variety of midwestern locations before they settled in Western Springs, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. After graduating from Lyons Township High School, Michael briefly attended the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, on a cross-country athletic scholarship before leaving college to join the family in the railroad business, where he enjoyed a 40-year career with what eventually became Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. His job took him from the Chicago area to Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Fort Worth, Texas; Topeka, Kansas, finally returning to Fort Worth in 1999.

Michael was known for his engaging personality, easily striking up conversations with people wherever he went, always listening more than he talked. Michael had a zest for life that spanned many areas, including poetry, music, food and animals. He enjoyed traveling the American Southwest, particularly around Tucson, Arizona, where his mother lived for over three decades and where his family formed many of their fondest memories.

Michael was also quietly a very tough person of faith. Following a battle with encephalitis at age 11 in Omaha, which nearly took his life, he suffered from epilepsy for the rest of his life. Despite the limitations and hardships this created for him, he maintained an unflappably positive attitude, raised three successful and happy sons, and provided for his family with a long and successful career.

Michael is survived by his wife, Jerry, of nearly 43 years; three sons, Michael, Jr. (Ana Maria), Timothy (Brooke) and Peter (Emily); five grandchildren: Matthew and Emma Harville, Lexii Sanchez, and Nick and Madison Childers; brother, Chuck (Nancy) Harville; nephew, Robert (Nikki) Harville; nieces, Jennifer (Robert) Bayersdorfer, Amy (Jerry) White, and Jill Burditt; sister and brother-in-law, Jan and Van Grafton as well as three great-nephews and six great-nieces.

A celebration of his life will be planned at a later date. In his memory, donations may be considered to The Epilepsy Foundation, The Alzheimers Association, and . The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research

The summarization of Michael’s life is best described by a Hunter S. Thompson quote:

" Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a ride!” Michael had the scars to prove it and thanked God for the life he lived.