Harvey Maurice Hallagan

Harvey Maurice Hallagan died peacefully at 8:30am Monday, March 18, 2013 at Village of Avon Care Community in Avon, Indiana. His courageous struggle with failing health personifies a true military hero, which he was. Harvey Maurice was born Sept 24th, 1920 in Palestine, Illinois. Named in honor of his father, Harvey, within the family he was always called "Maurice". He was third born of seven children and from age twelve labored to support the family during Depression years when Harvey Senior had no work. From grocery clerk to cab driver to RCA factory, his meager wages put food on the family table. When World War II started, Maurice and his two brothers, Harold and Frank joined the Navy. Each saw combat; each survived. During Maurice's four years, most in the North Atlantic, his ship received "The Presidential Unit Citation". Maurice was also in the thick of battle on D–Day, June 6, 1944. He served on the USS Willis followed by USS Helena. From 1936 when Harvey Senior was rehired by Illinois Central Railroad, the family moved back to Bloomington; thus, Maurice returned from the war, entered Indiana University on the GI Bill, met his wife-to-be, Patricia L. Day, also a GI Bill student, having served in the US Marines. Together they completed college degrees and married in September 1947. Going forward, Patricia became an esteemed teacher of fine arts, earning recognition in "Who's Who of American Women", eventually retiring as dean of students at an Indianapolis high school. Harvey Maurice, from college, held many important industrial positions with PR Mallory, Standard Oil, and Firestone, retiring in the early 1960's to begin a second career as a teacher in history and education at High School #90 and Arsenal Technical in Indianapolis. The following years were "golden" for Maurice and Pat; they traveled, spent winters at their vacation home in Ocala, Florida and as always, graciously entertained friends and especially, were so generous in helping parents, brothers, sisters, and all their relatives, never forgetting a birthday, anniversary or special event! Since their loving marriage in 1947, Maurice and Pat exemplified the very finest in human decency and virtue. Harvey Maurice was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Anna; sisters, Anna Louise, Venita and Mary; brothers, Harold and Frank. He is survived by wife, Patricia, and brother, George. Friends may call Friday March 22, 2013 from 6 – 8pm at Flanner and Buchanan – Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd., West Drive, Indianapolis, IN. Funeral service will follow on Saturday, March 23rd, 2013 at 2:00 pm, with visitation one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Washington Park North Cemetery Veterans Section. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's favorite charity. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan