Harvey W. Ritchie Obituary (1928 - 2017)

Harvey W. Ritchie, 89, passed away on May 2, 2017 at Centra State Medical Center, Freehold, NJ, surrounded by his family. Harvey was born March 14, 1928 in Trenton, IL, son of William & Marion Ritchie. Harvey graduated from Springfield High School, Springfield, IL; McKendree College, Lebanon, IL; and received his MBA degree from Sangamon State University, Springfield, IL. Mr. Ritchie and Melva Dickey were united in marriage in Pana on February 19, 1955. Harvey worked for Pana Refining Company as a chemist in the early 1950s and later moved to Springfield, where he worked for Central Illinois Public Service Company, retiring in 1991 after 30 years. He was a Korean War Army veteran and a member of Springfield Masonic Lodge #4. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing golf. Surviving are his wife Melva Ritchie, Freehold, NJ; sons: Thomas Ritchie, Chicago; David (Sadie) Ritchie, Howell, NJ; and Donald Ritchie, Lancaster, PA; son-in-law, Robert Knizner, Copper Canyon, TX. Also surviving are eight grandchildren and several cousins, including Miss Jean Ritchie, Trenton, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Carol Ritchie Knizner. Funeral Information A memorial service will be Saturday, May 13, 2017 at Clayton Funeral Home, Freehold, NJ. A graveside inurnment service will be held at Linwood Cemetery, Pana at a later date.