Harvey Munford

Harvey James Munford, retired State Assemblyman and Educator, peacefully passed away at the age of 83 on October 26, 2023, at his Las Vegas, NV home. Born July 19, 1940, in Akron Ohio to Henry Munford and Willowdean Fikes Munford. He was the youngest of four children: Henry Jr., Sandy, Harold, and Harvey. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Viviana; children Stephen and Jamila; stepchildren Donna, Vivienne, and Helen; twelve grandchildren and one great grandchild; sister Sandy and brother Harold.

Harvey was the first African American to attend Montana State University at Billings on a basketball scholarship. Where he earned a BS Degree in Biology & Physical Education and MA Degree in Political Science and Guidance & Counseling. He was inducted into the Montana State University Hall of Fame in 1994. He had a remarkable life that was adorned with many professional and personal achievements. Including playing for the Los Angeles Lakers NBA and drafted by the Los Angeles Rams NFL. He relocated to Las Vegas for a teaching career, he was an educator for CCSD, CSN, and UNLV. He worked for CCSD for 36 years as an Educator & Coach. During his time as an educator, he accompanied over 200 students to Washington D.C. to explore and experience firsthand how our government works.

After retiring from CCSD, he became a public servant and was an elected State Assemblyman from 2004-2016. He considered it a great honor to have represented his district and his community for 6 terms, as he continued to advocate for Civil Rights and Education. Harvey influenced the passage of numerous bills, including body cameras for law enforcement, multicultural education, and the passing of Juneteenth Day. It was important to him to have a positive lasting impact on the lives of all Nevadans.

His hobbies included breeding and training horses which he enjoyed in his ranch style home. The street his home resides in was recently renamed Harvey Munford Street in his honor. He enjoyed playing the organ, watching old western movies, historical documentaries & sports.

He was an amazing person and loved by so many. He will be deeply missed by family, friends and all who knew him.

The Family extends an invitation to the Las Vegas Community to attend the viewing and service to celebrate the life of our Beloved Harvey James Munford.

A visitation for Harvey will be held Friday, November 10, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Palm Downtown Mortuary, 1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101. A funeral service will occur Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM, 1325 North Main St, Las Vegas, NV 89101. A committal service will occur Saturday, November 11, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Palm Eastern Cemetery, 7600 S Eastern Ave, Las Vegas, NV 89123.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmeastern.com for the Munford family.