Harley Murry Waldo was born on May 17, 1937, in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, where he lived until joining the United States Air Force. He passed away at 1 a.m. on January 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Harley was preceded in death by his parents, Walker Bower Waldo and Elizabeth Stefon Waldo; his son, William Waldo; his grandson, Christopher Joseph Lee; his brother, Leonard Oliver Waldo; and his sister, Kathleen Marie Waldo.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Mea Waldo; his daughter, Debra Ann Gow; his son, Keith Lee Waldo; his daughter, Pamala Kay Murphy; and his grandchildren, Wallace Gow IV, Elizabeth Sullivan, Ian Gow, Alicia VanderWal, Meaghan Huggins, Trenton Waldo, Hannah Basham and Ben Lee. He was also a proud great-grandfather to Kalysta Sullivan, Lexi Sullivan, Braeden Sullivan, Carver Sullivan, Harley Huggins, Abigail VanderWal, Christopher Basham and Aria VanderWal.
Harley attended Catholic school in Muskegon Heights and later joined the Civil Air Patrol at the age of 14. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1955 and married Joyce Mae Kamp on February 22, 1958. Professionally, Harley worked as a radio operator and communications specialist in the Air Force and was a member of the rescue operations team, where he earned the Medal of Commendation for his sound judgment and determination in directing a search and rescue operation to continue, resulting in the successful rescue of another person. Harley also enjoyed being a pilot.
Harley proudly served over 21 years in the military. In his free time, he enjoyed being a Ham Radio Operator, a Private Pilot, and square dancing, where he served as an officer for several years. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life and will be remembered as a hardworking, devoted family man with a generous spirit and a strong sense of service. Harley was a strong member of the Shelby Road Baptist Church. Harley Murry Waldo's legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the family he loves so deeply.
A graveside service officiated by Pastor Steve Lister will be held at the Newaygo Cemetery, 225 E. Croton Dr., Newaygo, Michigan 49337, on Friday, April 10, 2026, at noon. A luncheon will follow at the Shelby Road Baptist Church, 2066 W. Shelby Rd., Shelby, Michigan 49455.
