Rev. (Ret) Harvey Lee Bybee, 74, of Billings, Montana passed peacefully in his sleep Sunday, February 25, 2024.
Harvey was born June 5, 1949, in Denver, Colorado, to Ross A. and Dorothy (Murphy) Bybee at Porter Sanitarium. He was the second youngest of fifteen children.
Harvey graduated high school in 1968, in Englewood, Colorado, and attended Miltonvale Wesleyan College in Miltonvale, Kansas. There he met the love of his life, Linda (Bobbi) McNaney. They were married on December 28, 1970, in Fallon, Montana. He and Bobbi moved to Denver and started their family with Sheri in 1971. A large man with a booming voice and fun-loving demeanor, Harvey felt a deep need to serve the Lord and help others to find their faith. To fulfill this calling, he and Bobbi moved their family to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, so Harvey could attend Bartlesville Wesleyan College and become a pastor. He graduated in 1975. A master of disarming self-deprecation, he liked to say he crammed four years of college into six years. The family grew in Bartlesville with the births of Keri, Larry, and Mari.
Harvey began his ministry in Englewood, Colorado, at Englewood Wesleyan Church, the same church he attended in his youth. His next assignment was a small Wesleyan church in Terry, Montana. Pastors go where they are called to serve, and each assignment means leaving parishioner friendships behind for the incoming pastor to enjoy and starting over as the new pastor in another town. Harvey’s parishioners loved him wherever he went. His gift for telling stories won hearts and eased minds. His sermons provided hope, comfort, and guidance. While in Terry, the family grew again with the birth of Terry in 1985. Harvey’s ministry eventually included service in Forsyth, and Billings, Montana. He retired from pastoring in Billings but never left the ministry, continuing to share the gospel with others for the rest of his life.
Harvey and Bobbi purchased the Josephine Bed and Breakfast in Billings after he retired and ran it successfully for twenty years. Guests enjoyed Harvey’s breakfasts and the wisdom he served with the delicious food. After selling the B&B, Harvey and Bobbi enjoyed summers in Billings and winters in Phoenix.
Harvey was a strong defender of his faith, an unconditional lover of people, and (almost always) an avid fan of the Denver Broncos. His presence brought a sense of camaraderie and unity wherever he went. His life was truly a gift to everyone he met, and our world is a much better place because he walked on it for 74 years. His family and friends miss his great humor, texts, and phone calls. But it is his joyful presence that is missed most.
Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters Bob, John, Ross, Roy, Walt, Tom, Virginia, Charlotte, and Linda; Ben and John Cantrell, a Baby Bostwick, and two great-grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Bobbi, Children: Sheri (Chad) Mitchell, Keri (Michael) Bostwick, Larry Bybee, Mari (Matt) Cantrell, and Terry (Annie) Bybee; Theresa Bybee, Grandchildren: Pete (Megan) Mitchell, Amy Mitchell, Heidi (Levy) Nagy, Tate (Abby) Mitchell, Jaxon, Cooper, and Georgia Bostwick; Caleb Bybee, Abby (Logan) Larson, Noah, Grace, Hannah, Naomi, and Ava Bybee; Samantha, Kate, and Bear Cantrell, and Hadley and Jude Bybee; Great-grandchildren: Addie and Tanwen Mitchell, Matthew Nagy, Jace Harvey and Asher Larson; siblings Patricia, Jim, Dorothy, Jerry; and numerous other family and friends. If he knew you, he loved you.
A private family ceremony will take place in March in Joliet, and a public Celebration of Harvey’s life will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Faith Chapel in Billings, Montana at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Harvey’s memory to Oklahoma Wesleyan University, 2201 Silver Lake Road, Bartlesville, 74006.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 25, 2024
Faith Chapel
517 Shiloh Rd.
Billings, Montana 59106
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Carolyn Kimball says
My deep condolences to the Bybee family.
Andrea Miller says
My deepest condolences go out to the whole Bybee family during this difficult time. Sorry to hear about the loss of such a great family member of yours.
Lissa says
No words… Thinking of all of you. The loss of Harvey will be deeply felt by many….especially his life-long friends. Harvey had many. What a kind man who lived his faith by example.
Sincerely, Willis, Ardi, Lissa and Ross Bartholomay
Josh and Piney Helmuth says
I have so many good memories of Harvey when I was growing up In Terry. Our condolences go out to the family as well as our prayers.
Jody Davis Metcalf says
I am so sorry for your loss. My thought and prayers are with all of you.
Joanne seteren young sturdevant says
Bobby and family,I’m so sorry to hear about Harvey such a wonderful person and servant of God! He was one of the best. Have many memories of Harvey marring Ron and me and the funerals he did for the family. Love you Bobbie and thank you for all you did for me also. May God hold you in the comfort of his arms!
Greg and Cindy Ban says
Oh how so many people loved Harvey. Prayers for those left behind. He was the best pastor and such a sweet man. He will be missed. Until we meet again rest in peace Harvey.
Ann Rittal says
I have great memories of gatherings in your backyard in Billings. and potlucks at the Lockwood church. God has greeted a great witness and one who served Him here on earth
Your sister Got says
A very special brother. Love you much
Your sister Dot says
A very special brother. Love you much
Linda Koehler says
RIP old friend. You were always there when I needed to talk. Seemed like you just knew everytime. I really missed you when you left Terry. Thoughts and prayers to Bobbi and family during this difficult time…
Pam and Rocky Ban says
Thoughts and prayer to all of Harvey’s family. We didn’t know him personally but always heard what an exceptional man of God he was. May the Lord wrap yo in his arms and give you peace and comfort. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Charlee A Creasy says
Bybee Family,
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Harvey was an amazing man.
Love, Charlee (DuBois/Essex) Creasy
Garnet Essex says
To the Bybee family,
My heart goes out to all of you. He was truly one of a kind so unpretentious with a wonderful sense of humor. He was an integral part of my life. He spoke at Chuck’s funeral and gave comfort, married Terry and I, I couldn’t think of anyone else we would want for our very special day and then again he spoke when Terry passed. He was there for the good and the sad. Savor all your memories and pictures. Love Garnet Essex
Audrey and Neal Stromberg says
Harvey was a special part of our wedding celebration back in June 1986. He made the pre-wedding counseling meaningful and we still display our “what Marriage means to Me” essays. He was truly a pastor who was in the ministry because it was in his fiber. He had a gift for reaching people with empathy, compassion, and humor. Our lives are better because of him. No doubt he has reached his ultimate, well deserved reward.
Pamela Bilyeu says
So very sorry for your loss. Very, very special man.
Daryl and Candi Haidle says
So sorry for your loss.
Dawn Grist Olson says
Sorry for you loss. I loved going to the youth group at his house and just going to visit. Prayers and hugs to the family.
Klista says
Bybee family- I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. I have so many fond memories of you all in Terry, playing at the yellow house in the corner! Harvey gave the sermon at my mom’s funeral service not long ago and was such a blessing to all of us during that time. He is already truly missed. I hope his homecoming was spectacular.
Nolan Hauser says
Harvey Bybee,
Fun loving guy & loved Jesus. Enjoyed our two years together at MWC. I was in his wedding & he was in mine.
Saw him this past Fall at BWC.
May God’s peace & comfort be with you, Bobbie, & the family.
I’m glad there is a Heaven. See you again, Harvey.
JERRY BYBEE says
Great friend & family who love The Lord, NEVER say “goodbye” for the last time; They just say; “SEE YOU LATER!”
GOD Bless the HARVEY BYBEE FAMILY❣️❣️.
SEE YOU LATER TWICE MY BROTHER 💖
STEVEN SORENSEN says
Harvey made lifelong memories for me and those of us attending MWC with him. His faith was impressive and he certainly left his mark upon the hearts of numerous people. How thankful we are for the eternal life we have in Christ.
David Claxton says
Harvey was a huge part of my life and the lives of my sons Mark and Kevin. I feel very blessed to have spent time with him in Sun City , Arizona the last several years.
Karen Kalien says
Harvey made me smile and he gave the best hugs! He was always willing to help you, or just listen to you, making you feel valued. His faith was expressed in all he did. Undoubtedly he witnessed to friends all over his Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the world. I look forward to enjoying a good laugh with him in heaven, and I’ll bring the ice!
Loraine Ban Grist says
Bobbi and family, so sorry to her of Harvey’s death. Many good memories
Loraine B Grist
Shayla Luhman says
To Bobby, Sheri, Keri, Larry, Mary & Terry,
I’m so sorry to hear of Harvey’s loss. He was one amazing man and always so full of life and laughter. He will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
Love & Hugs,
Shayla
Joyce Wilcox says
Oh, Bobbi, so sorry to hear this. He was such a wonderful man of God. He was so good to my mom and helped her in so many ways. Such a blessing. You just wanted to be around him, he radiated such warmth and love. Jeannette and mom are thrilled to see him again. Heaven’s gain, the world’s loss
Diane Ehman says
Our thoughts and prayers are with Harvey’s family. He was a great man.
Phyllis says
Bobbi and family,
Harvey and your family were such a gift to our moms… and us. We are so greatful for the years you spent in Terry as “sheperds” to the people. May God comfort and keep you during this time and always.
Loren and Phyllis Sackman
Karen (Coffee) Sanders says
Love you all Bybee family. Been thinking and praying for you all and will continue to do so. What an amazing legacy Harvey (Dad) left with each of you. Big love to you all. 🩷🩷🩷
Euni Rickey says
God bless all the Bybees with comfort at this difficult time.
I grew up with the Bybee family in Colorado, went to Miltonvale College with Harvey and Bobbie and over 50 years later saw Harvey at the reunion in Oklahoma. Harvey was radiant with a deep faith and love for the Lord. As we sang the old hymns, his tears flowed. Memories of earlier years remind us of God’s faithfulness. What an impact Harvey left. As I read all the comments coming in on FB I see that he loved the Lord deeply and loved people…and having fun!!
What a blessing to have such a person in your life!
God bless you all!
Delphine Coon says
My prayers are with the Bybee family. He was an awesome man
Terri Brown says
So many memories of the Bybee family in Forsyth.
Hugs and prayers to the family as you navigate the loss of Harvey.
Terri Brown
Carolyn and Vernon May says
Our sympathies are with the entire Bybee family. Harvey was such a wonderful person. He made a lasting impression on every person he met. He was always so happy and had a great attitude on life. Joy just exuberated off of him to all those around him
What a wonderful and profound Christian! Our world could use more men like him!
Lin Cory Koerper says
Bobbi,Sherri,Cari,Larry,Mary,Terry, Harvey and you all were a big part of the Koerper family while in Forsyth. I will always be grateful for the friendship and love we shared, it was a a very special time. My prayer is for peace and peace, comfort, and strength. Hope to see you in May.
David Babcock says
Our memories are rich and full — laughing together, growing up together over the years, seeing you with your family, growing older together too. I loved those times when you shared with us your heart for your family, your wife, the people that you were seeking to help and minister to.
One of our best memories is of you and Bobbi, Brenda and me in the car, traveling to Colorado when Bob informed us that Bobby and Brenda were going to stay with our family, not his! And then another when you and I traveled up to Montana and had 5 flat tires through Wyoming!
Love you, Harvey and Bobbi.
Tom & Berny Buckingham says
Well done, Faithful Servant of the Lord.
Vera Kuehn says
So grateful for the time we got to spend with Harvey and family while they were in Terry. We pray for God’s comfort and peace to all and may Harvey find his rewards in the arms of the Almighty. God bless this family.
Rebecca A Budensiek says
Bobbi and family, So many fond memories of Harvey and you during our time at Miltonvale Wesleyan College. My husband was the Academic Dean at the time. We loved being part of your college experience. What a great impact the two of you left everywhere you went! It is a joy to learn of your experiences after college. May our Heavenly Father be your comfort and peace as you navigate the days ahead.
Nancy (Lindley) Matt says
I was so shocked to hear of Harvey’s passing into eternity. I have such “good” memories of David and Harvey getting into “trouble” at MWC and our double dates. We were privileged to have both of you in our wedding. We enjoyed staying at the Josephine Bed & Breakfast and Harvey’s delicious breakfast! I’m so sorry we’ve not stayed in touch. Even so, the memories are cherished. Please be assured of my prayers now and in the many days to come. I can attest to the fact that God never leaves us nor forsakes us as I experienced after David’s passing. On a more uplifting note, heaven is rockin’ and rollin’ now with Harvey and David there! Love you.
Lorna Frank says
Harvey was a great friend. He wished me a Happy Birthday on FB the day before he passed away. I will always remember how he brought fun and laughter to our lives. May God bless you Bobbi and all the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids with His love and presence.
Nick & micki bemer says
Bobbi sorry to hear of Harvey’s passing,we enjoyed knowing him and all of your family a great deal,please accept our condolences. Nick and micki.
Stan Pehl says
I first met Harvey when we both drove school bus in Bartlesville, He was a little bi different guy and would probably take that as a compliment if you said it to him. Then he was pastor of my home church in Terry, then meeting up when I drove through Billings going home to visit from Portland. I think the last time we enjoyed time together was when he conducted Mom’s service.
I will miss you friend. You were a difference maker, and the things others have shared are a good reflection of that. Remembering the sign at the Rapid City Camp, “Christians never say goodbye for the last time.’ So this is just a pause that stings a bit.
To Bobbie and family, you have been dear people in my family’s life. We pray God’s peace for you and that all your needs are met according to His riches in glory.
Stan Pehl says
‘little bit different type of guy’ (wow)
Gary and Betty Waite says
Without one dealt, I can say that Harvey Bybee was one of the most outstanding Christian examples I’ve ever had in my life my wife, Betty , and I with pianist Cordelia Borth shared, ringing, encouragement, and praise, worship to the folks at MorningStar, assisted living in Billings for the last nine years. Pastor Harvey and I both had diabetes, so we shared not only the gospel and word and song, but our glucose numbers as well seemed like his were always better than mine. Always upbeat., happy., and positive with”Lord have mercy” or”God loves you” at the tip of his tongue. And yes., the last nine years of his life, Harvey was true to the Lord of his life or MorningStar. He brought wonderful words of life., humor, and a great encouragement to his church at MorningStar. What a special man was Harvey.Bybee! I will never forget him, and neither will anyone else who met him.
Rev. Ron Groninger says
Harvey and we go back to Cedar Canyon Camp in Rapid City SD where our sons worked for him in the kitchen. We are about the same age. We know him as the classic jolly good fellow. He and Bobbi were so welcoming of us when we first began pastoring in Dakota (now Northwest) District of The Wesleyan Church. Over the years he was always encouraging of my Facebook posts with likes or responses. He and I seem to have great minds because we thought so much alike on contemporary issues. I (Ron) will miss all his great humor and affirmation. May blessings and comfort be multiplied to you, Bobbi, as well as to your family and his friends, at this time of great loss.
Ha says
Oh Bobbi- I know how much you loved this incredible man and I can only imagine how much pain you feel. I am happy that you have the faith that helps you believe that someday you will be reunited. You have always been such a true friend and confidante and I am sorry I was unaware of Harvey’s passing. I would love to reconnect with you. I am at hforsethmd@gmail.com. My best wishes to you. You have demonstrated time and again your resilience and strength. May you find comfort.
Hal