Harvey William Phelps, M.D.
June 27, 1922 ~ June 22, 2018
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Harvey W. Phelps, M.D., 95 passed away June 22nd 2018. Survived by children Castle (Robyn) Phelps, Stuart (Susan) Phelps, Martha (Joseph) DeMers, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Preceded in death by wife Adah L. Phelps, daughter Frances Phelps, parents, brothers Chester and Charles Phelps.
Harvey was born to Harvey J. Phelps and H. Twinet Phelps on June 27th, 1922, in Pueblo, Colorado and was raised in Fowler, Colorado.
Harvey finished one year of pre-med before enlisting in the US Navy on August 19th, 1942. He served as a Corpsman with the Marines on Guadalcanal. While convalescing from Yellow Fever overseas, was inducted into the V12 program and sent home to finish his pre-med education at the University of Idaho, Southern Branch - Pocatello, Idaho. Upon graduation he then attended the Saint Louis University Medical School where he met Adah L. Godbold. They were married on September 1st, 1948.
At the end of Medical School Harvey chose to join the US Army to complete his medical education and was sent to Brook Army Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas for his medical internship. He completed the internship on June 1st, 1950 and a few weeks later was on a troop ship to Korea. Harvey proudly served as a Battalion Surgeon on the front line in northern Korea.
During his military career, he was a member of the first Los Angeles air pollution variance board and when stationed in Japan, he was the first to conclusively connect pollution to emphysema in what he initially called Tokyo-Yokohama asthma.
Harvey retired from military service on June 30th, 1966 and entered private medical practice in Pueblo, Colorado doing pioneering work in the treatment of lung diseases including providing the evidential data to help win the first Black Lung benefits for coal miner's lawsuits in New Mexico. He then went on to serve two terms as the Pueblo County Coroner, two terms as the S-25 district State Senator, one term as Regent for the University of Colorado and then retired from public service.
Harvey greatly enjoyed the family cabin above Lake Isabel, his antique cars and antique gas engines. He was active in the Shriners & Flivvers, Front Range Antique Power Association, Model A Club and the First United Methodist Church.
Funeral will be held Thursday, June 28th at the First United Methodist Church, 310 W. 11th St. Visitation from 9AM to 10AM, Funeral service at 10AM, reception to follow.
Interment will follow at 1:30 PM at the Fowler Cemetery.
Memorials to the Frances Phelps Memorial Scholarship: Southwestern College, Attn: Institutional Advancement, 100 College St., Winfield, KS 67156-2499. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Please accept our condolences. Having moved back to Pueblo in 2005, Ann and I only had a few years to get to know Harvey before his health began to fail. Seeing him at Cracker Barrel for the monthly men’s breakfast was always a treat. He once said that he told his patients with cancer that they should move to Manzanola. The patients would ask if the move would make them live longer and his response was no, but it would seem like it. He liked to pick on Manzanola. I was fascinated by all the places he had been and all he had accomplished. He is truly missed.
Through Frances, I learned what intelligent, involved parents Ada and Harvey were. She especially valued their opinions and advice. I am sure the Phelps family is greatly impacted by the loss of both parents in such a short time period. You have my deepest sympathy. Please know that they both will live on in our memories. I will always picture Dr. Phelps with his bow ties and his old cars. And I will remember Mrs. Phelps with her kind, friendly smile.
Our deepest sympathies to you all. I imagine Uncle Billy is already telling
stories and exchanging witty barbs with my Dad (Charles Phelps)! Rest in peace. Our thoughts are with you all.
Charlene (Phelps) & David Crosby
A special place in my heart for Harvey, who served with distinction on the Senate Education Committee which I chaired for several years. A fellow veteran of the Korean War, Harvey and I shared many a story of our experiences in the Navy. We developed the kind of close friendship which people today would probably not understand, when civic responsibilities transcended political differences. To Harvey’s family: you have a great legacy and the spirit of a true patriot to follow and to pass on to your children.
Sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this difficult time. Rest in Peace, Uncle Bill! – Love Clint, Melanie and Ryan Denney
I am sorry for his passing but know that he is in a better place with that sharp mind and sense of humor intact. I miss visiting with him and having intense political debates! He was a Favorite Uncle of mine and will always be, ‘uncle Bill” to me and my family. May happy memories bring peace to the family.
Dr. Phelps was a multifaceted man with varied interest. One of these interest was restoring antique cars. When I was a teenager I restored the wooden spoked wheels on one of his antique cars. In my minds eye I remember Dr. Phelps wearing his bow tie. I always respected the man.
Harvey & Adah were the best role models for us at FUMC, they did so much for the Church and our community. It was an honor for us to serve their Dental needs at New Outlook Dental. They will forever be remembered. Dr. Kyle & Penny Schulz
We are scheduled to be out of town, I will miss the service