Harvey Edmond DeFord

Harvey Edmond DeFord passed away on December 8, 2011 in Austin, Texas. He was born in Gordon, Texas August 5, 1920 to Margaret Mollie DeFord and Robert Nolan DeFord. Harvey was one of four children that included two brothers, Homer and Nolan Lister, and one sister, Ann Pauline Moore.

Harvey grew up in Gordon, Texas where he was very active in all sports. He graduated from the University of Texas in January 1943 with a B.B.A. degree in accounting. While in Austin, he also met his lifetime sweetheart, Audrey Ruth Shane. After graduation he entered the United States Army during World War II, serving in the European Theater in the19th Corps artillery unit. Upon his return to Austin he and Audrey married in December, 1945.

Harvey was hired by the Internal Revenue Service in 1946, and had offices in San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Austin, and Houston until his retirement in 1975. After a year of private practice, he was recruited by Bob Bullock to work in out-of-state audit in the State Comptroller's Office until retiring again in 1985.

Harvey received his CPA certificate in 1955 and was Vice-president and President of the Austin Chapter of CPAs and a visiting lecturer at the College of Business Administration, University of Texas. He also served as President of the Toastmasters Club of Austin and held many offices, including President, of the Downtown Austin YMCA Board.

Harvey and Audrey loved to play bridge, travel, and dance. They were a beautiful couple on the dance floor and participated in both the Saturday Nighters and the Waltz Club dance groups for many years. His dance card was always full.

He was an active member of University Presbyterian Church for over fifty years, serving on the Board of Deacons and as a Ruling Elder.

Harvey is preceded in death by his loving wife Audrey, sister Ann, and brother Nolan. He is survived by his brother, Homer H. DeFord of Dallas, by his son Harvey Nash DeFord and wife Jane of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and daughter Ruth Ann Eledge and husband Mike of Austin as well as his grandchildren, Carol DeFord of Arlington, Virginia, Adam DeFord and wife Patricia and David DeFord, Downingtown, Pennsylvania, Justin Edwards and wife Becca, Dallas, Texas, Christopher Edwards Ft Worth, Texas, Whitney Withers and husband Will, Austin, Texas and his great-grandson Hutton.

The family wishes to express their deepest thanks and appreciation to Dr. Ace Alsup, a constant source of support and care. We are also so thankful for Gloria Ojeda, Faustina Perez, Mattie Fletcher and his many friends at Westminster Manor who were his constant companions and enriched his life each day.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial gifts be made to University Presbyterian Church.

Mr. DeFord will lie in state from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, December 16th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N Lamar.

A memorial service celebrating Harvey's life will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2:00 p.m. at University Presbyterian Church, 2203 San Antonio, Austin, Texas 78705. Burial will be private.