Obituary of William H. Tovey

Bedford William Harvey Tovey, loving husband, father and grandfather, 79, of 1807 Windwood Drive, Bedford, died at 4:00 am on Saturday, October 25, 2003 at his residence. Born January 1, 1924 in Amery, Wisconsin, he was the son of Lorey O. and Edith Rose (Rounsavel) Tovey. He married Pattie Eicher McKnight on August 24, 1966 and she survives. He joined the Bedford Fire Department on January 25, 1952. He was appointed the Chief on January 1, 1964 and remained in the position for sixteen years, retiring in 1980. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Eagles Lodge of Bedford. He was a life member of the Gillen Post #33 American Legion, Bedford Elks Lodge #826, Bedford Boat and Sportsman Club, International Assoc. of Fire Chiefs and Indiana Fire Chiefs Assoc. where he served as treasurer and former legislative lobbyist. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during WW II. Surviving with his wife, Pattie, are one daughter, Susan McKnight Newton and her husband, Daniel of Terre Haute; one son, Col. Mark E. McKnight and his wife, Christy, of Ft. Leavenworth, KS; grandchildren, Angela Reusser and her husband, Douglas, of Carmel, IN, Amanda Payne and her husband, Jesse, of DeKalb, IL, Ian, Mitchell, Sarah and Meredith McKnight all of Ft. Leavenworth, KS; two brothers, George Tovey of North Carolina and John Tovey of Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother, Catherine Tovey and infant daughter, Sarah Tovey. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday, October 31st from the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary with Rev. Jon Lineback officiating. Burial will follow in Cresthaven Memory Gardens. Friends may call from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 30th and from 9:00 am until the hour of service on Friday, October 31st at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Donations Information The family asks that friends consider memorial contributions be made to The Bedford Firefighters Local #728. Military rites will be accorded at the graveside by members of Gillen Post #33 American Legion. The final alarm will be sounded at the Bedford Central Fire Station.