Robert Harvey

Robert Leon "Bob" Harvey, age 88, of Topeka, Kansas, passed on September 13, 2025, at a local healthcare facility.

A homegoing service to celebrate Bob's long, beautiful life will be on Friday, September 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Atchison United Methodist Church, 501 Kansas Ave, Atchison, KS 66002. A viewing and visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Atchison, KS.

The only Son of Alfonso and Hildora Harvey, Robert (Bob) was born February 16,1937 in Hutchinson, Kansas.  He attended Hutchinson Junior College, Washburn University, and graduated from Golden Gate University law school with a JD in 1964.  A US Marine Corps veteran, he was lucky enough to have married Virginia Carol Boldridge in 1959.  Son, Eric Harvey lives in Sacramento, California. Bob played basketball and was selected to the 1956 Junior College All American Basketball Team.

An attorney and judge, he served over 30 years in California State government, holding positions ranging from assistant to several cabinet secretaries to the head of the first California State consumer protection agency, and several judicial positions.  He also served for 12 years as Chairman of the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board.  His legal practice covered criminal, civil, domestic relations and business law. He served as member Board of Directors, and President of the California Administrative Law College. He published legal articles and served as a Lecturer at the National Judicial College.

He was a proud member of AARP, having served as a member of the California AARP Executive Council, Legislative advocate, and member of the AARP National Policy Council, Legislative Advocate for Kansas AARP and holder of the Sonny Freeman Award for Volunteer Advocacy. He also served as the Chairman of the Kansas Citizens Utility Ratepayers Board.

Bob was a devoted member and officer of Kyles Temple A.M.E. Zion Church in Sacramento, and St. John A.M.E. Church in Topeka, Kansas.  Bob was an avid golfer and charter member of the Topeka Gentleman's Golf Association.  He was a devoted member and officer of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.  He loved to sing, and over the years, was a member of The Overtones of Sacramento, Kyles Temple A.M.E. Zion Male Chorus and St. John A.M.E. Men's Ensemble.

In 2016 he was diagnosed with ALS.  Given 2 to 5 years to live, he was determined to not surrender, but to contribute all he could to his family, his church, and all the folks he could touch with a smile, or a helping hand. With strong support from Carol, he "hung in" for a long time.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Virginia Carol Harvey; his son, Eric Harvey; and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother who passed away at birth.

He leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories with a wide circle of family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to ALS research. ALS Association - Donate

If you would like to donate to the ALS research you can do it my mail at

ALS Association

1300 Wilson Boulevard Suite 600

Arlington, VA 22209

Tax ID 13-3271855