Marvin J. "Chief" Harvick

Chronicle of Marvin James ‘Chief’ Harvick

August 3, 1934-June 2, 2021

• Born to Carrie Donna Tekubia in Lawton, Oklahoma. Subsequently adopted and raised by Alma Manners and husband L.H. ‘Red’ Harvick
• During “the lean years”, he and his parents Alma and L.H. ‘Red’ Harvick, moved several times across Oklahoma, California, and Texas while experiencing many life adventures along the way
• Attended Lutcher Stark High School in Orange, Texas, graduating in May 1952
• He joined Texaco (Port Arthur, Texas) in September 1952 and retired from STAR Enterprise (formerly Texaco) in September 1995 after 43 years, 30 of those as an Inspector. He returned to the facility for an additional 4 years as a contract Inspector.
• Settling in Jefferson County, he married Patricia Ann (Harvick) and shared one son David Lee (Harvick)
• He enlisted in the National Guard in 1952 and after attending Officer Candidate School, received a Reserved Commissioned Officer appointment in 1960. He was honorably discharged in 1965 as a First Lieutenant of 36th Division, 111th Engineers.
• He joined the Cosmopolitan Lodge #872 AF & AM in Port Arthur, Texas and achieved the rank of Master Mason in good standing.
• Having resided several years in Nederland, Texas, he decided to seek a more rural environment, settling on property in Cheek, Texas. After building a barn and house, he returned to his “country” roots by gardening, raising animals, and spending time playing and teaching life skills to his two grandchildren. He also enjoyed many years sharing his passion for outdoor activities such traveling (especially Vegas), hunting, fishing, golf, and scuba diving / spearfishing with his family and friends.
• After moving to Groves, Texas and caring for his mother Alma, he married Janiece K. (Harvick). They shared interests such as Caribbean cruising, gardening, hosting and catering various gatherings, and always decorating the biggest/brightest Christmas yard displays that seemingly grew larger each year. He was very active in the First United Methodist Church of Groves, helping with maintenance chores and cooking after-service food for the congregation. He and Janiece enjoyed sharing time with family and friends until she lost her battle with cancer.
• He later joined Diana Lee (Harvick) in marriage and began a new chapter that took them from Jefferson County to the shores of Lake Sam Rayburn at San Augustine Park. Side by side with Diana, he continued his passion as an accomplished catfish trotliner and gardener. More trotlines and bigger gardens produced abundant bounties being generously shared with neighbors and family. They also enjoyed watching golf tournaments and NASCAR, especially #4 Kevin Harvick, on television.
• One of his proudest achievements came as a result of several years of research into his ancestral history – the discovery of his Choctaw birth family which included 8 siblings. Being the oldest and “Big Brother”, he always enjoyed recounting the discovery story and eventual family meeting during a 2018 reunion in Oklahoma.
• Declining health eventually forced a move back to Beaumont, Texas, where he resided for 2 years before passing away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, June 2, 2021.

The man that we are here today to commemorate was known to many by various monikers. Family, friends, coworkers, and casual acquaintances knew him as Marvin, Chief, LT, Brother, MarvHarv, Dad, PawPaw, and Buzz. However each of us knew him is how we should remember him.

Rest in Peace

– David

• Predeceased by:
  • Birth Mother Carrie Donna Tekubia
  • Birth Siblings: Arnold William ‘Duke’ Nelson; Naomi Lavita ‘Tita’ Nelson Moore; Calvin Lee ‘Sy’ Nelson
  • Parents Alma Harvick and L.H. ‘Red’ Harvick
  • Previous wife Janiece K. Harvick
• Survived by:
  • Son David L. Harvick
  • Wife Diana Lee Harvick
  • Daughter-in-Law Theresa Denise Harvick
  • Grandchildren: Deanna Renee Harvick and fiancé John Craig MacFarlane Jr. and Derek Ross Harvick and wife Rebekah LeeAnn Harvick

• Great-Grandchildren: Evelyn Rae Harvick
• Previous wife Patricia Ann Harvick
• Birth Siblings: Nathan Chris ‘Eight’ Nelson; James Eli ‘Zeb’ Nelson; Uhla Cleo ‘Shady’ Nelson; Donna Carrie Nelson ‘Tuney’ Carney; Theodore Roosevelt ‘Huck’ Nelson Jr.

Honorary pallbearers are all former Texaco Inspectors.

A gathering of Mr. Harvick’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 11, 2021, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Memory Gardens of Jefferson County, 3098 Highway 69, Nederland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mr. Harvick’s name may be made to Delta Waterfowl, 1412 Basin Avenue, Bismarck, North Dakota 58504; or online at https://deltawaterfowl.org/donate/. 1-888-987-3695

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