Birth date: Apr 30, 1937 Death date: Nov 16, 2014
Donald Ira Harsey, 77, of Kissimmee, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2014. Mr. Harsey was born April 30, 1937 in Wildwood to the late Jacob Archibald and Mavis Mildred (Roberts) Harsey. He graduated from Wildwood High School and Read Obituary
Being born and raised in Wildwood, I knew Donald and his sister, Dorothy, and the Harsey family all my life and went to school with Donald and Dorothy. Dorothy, I am so sorry to hear about Donald and my thoughts are with you.
Danny Gail McElrath
Class of 1955
I served with Don at the Sheriff's Office as a Patrol Sgt. and Patrol Lt. while he was a Supervisor in Corrections. Don was a true hardworking professional but kept a great humorous side for peers and even inmates during their difficult stays in Sheriff "Kayo" Murphy's "Motel". I haven't seen Don in years but I see his son Gary is on facebook often. Please accept my condolences and prayers for you and Don. I will miss Don even more now.
I can't leave without telling how funny Don was to us and an inmate one Sunday evening. I just arrested a gentleman during a traffic stop which resulted in a felony arrest for an outstanding warrant out of Miami Metro Dade. After I tried to put him in my back seat but he was too big to fit and I asked him if he would behave himself in the front seat but also found my handcuffs wouldn't fit either. When I got to the old Sheriff's office I saw Don standing in the back lot. Don told me he had locked himself out and I would need to go around through the front door and get him in first. Of course Sheriff Murphy was sitting in the front lobby laughing waiting for Don to come get his master's key before he went home. The Sheriff followed me and the prisoner who was a pro wrestler was in Orlando for a TV match on Gordon Solee's Saturday show. The Sheriff yelled at me all the way back and then yelled at Don. The prisoner had to be released since Miami wouldn't come get him. When I left with him through the front door Kayo asked me if Don was still scared? I stated no, but Don swore either I or the prisoner told him we got him in trouble on purpose. The Sheriff left laughing and went home. This was when it was fun to work to work in Law Enforcement.
Over 35 years ago I met the "Harsey Family" walking down Lakeshore Drive in Tropical Park! Don was such a cool dad, did his best with what he had. He would try to catch us "in the act" of what ever we were up to. Hell, "try" he did catch us in the act a few times! But would let us go and was very cool about it! We all grew up together and had a great time. He was a funny guy, huge guy with a huge heart! I will dearly miss him! Gary, Terri & Mikey - you know your like family to me. I'm sending lots of prayers & love your way. We have so many memories to laugh for many years to come he will always be with us!
Love Lorraine Opperman-Lott
Dennis and I are both sorry for your loss. We will keep all of you in our prayers. God bless you all and help you thru this difficult time. Sending love your way. LaDonna and Dennis
