Wylie Jerome Harvey

Wylie Jerome Harvey passed peacefully into the Kingdom of Heaven, surrounded by his family on September 6, 2026, at the age of 87.

Wylie was born in St. Francisville, LA, and raised in North Baton Rouge. He was a proud graduate of the lstrouma High Class of 1957. Wylie served in the US Coast Guard Reserve. After his service, he enrolled in LSU and earned a degree in Landscape Architecture in 1965. He then began a 33-year career with Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Office of State Parks advancing to the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary. Under his leadership, Wylie oversaw the planning, maintaining, and acquisition of new and existing State Parks and Commemorative Areas. He received numerous honors in recognition of his service, including the Charles E Dunbar Career Service Award, The Professional Citation Award for achievement in the field of Parks and Recreation, and an Award of Merit for rendering life-saving CPR to a fellow employee.

The Louisiana House of Representatives formally commended him upon his retirement through House Concurrent Resolution 106 acknowledging his distinguished service. Governor Mike Foster proclaimed August 7, 1996, and Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Blanco proclaimed April 17, 1997, as "Wylie Harvey Day” for his unselfish dedication to the Louisiana State Parks System.

After his retirement in 1997, he and his wife, Blanche, joined the local American Red Cross. Their service began as he drove past the local chapter and he noticed a sign asking for help. He stopped in to learn more and later recalled, "I only thought they served coffee and donuts." That moment sparked a 19-year journey of service. While volunteering at local and national levels, they worked over 30 disasters throughout the United States from California wildfires to 9/11. They received numerous Red Cross awards for their dedicated service and were recognized as Baton Rouge Volunteer Activists of the Year in 2011.

Wylie was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed spending quality time fishing and relaxing at his camp on

the beautiful waters of Lake Claiborne. He took great pleasure in cooking for family and others. Wylie was very talented and creative with various DIY projects. He loved watching LSU sports. He was deeply devoted to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. and was an active member of Chapel in the Oaks.

Wylie is survived by his wife of 66 years, Blanche Roberts Harvey; children, Cynthia Harvey Broussard (Marque) and Dale Edward Harvey; granddaughter, Morgan Broussard Lankford (Will); great-grandson, Liam; sisters, Kaye Hamilton and Faye Aydell (Gary); brother Ronald J. Harvey (Sara); and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Angie Harvey.

Wylie was a humble, loving, devoted father, husband and servant to his family. He loved and served the Lord. Wylie will be deeply missed and his memory cherished.

The family extends special thanks to the Alzheimer's Services and to the caregivers from the Griswold Home Care and Home Instead Senior Care particularly to Daniel Santora, we thank you for your special care of Wylie. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Red Cross, 6455 Sherwood Common, Baton Rouge, 70816, or the Alzheimer's Services at 3772 North Blvd., Baton Rouge 70806, or a charity of your choice.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Wylie’s life on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Hwy. Baton Rouge, LA 70816. All will be welcomed at 1:00 PM until funeral service at 2:30 PM, officiated by Pastor Dennis Eenigeburg.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.