Harry W. Cervenka – Hot Springs Village Voice

Harry Walter Cervenka, a devoted husband, father, papa and friend, passed away peacefully on June 18, 2024 at his home in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas after a brave two-year battle with Stage 4 Renal Cell Carcinoma. Harry was born on August 19, 1940 at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas to John W. and Anna (McBeath) Cervenka and raised in Granger, Texas.

Harry attended Arlington State College in Arlington, Texas, where he developed his passion for business during his three years of college. On December 10, 1960, Harry married the love of his life, Glynda Briley, in her parents’ home and began a wonderful journey together that took him through several cities and states. Over the years, they built a foundation of love and support in every place they called home – from Arlington, Hurst and Kansas City to Downingtown, Pennsylvania, and finally settled in Naperville, Illinois, where they spent 28 fulfilling years before retiring to Hot Springs Village in 2005.

He began his career at Acushnet Rubber Co. and worked there for 7 years. He then started at AMP Special Industries and retired in 1998 after 31 years. He then got busy working for Glynda at her stamp shop, The Stamp Shack. He entertained the ladies (employees and customers), took pride in his self-appointed title of “Head of Security” and started the cyber store, The Stamp Shack. He retired again with Glynda in 2005.

In his early years he enjoyed playing racquetball, tennis and golf. He played golf with the Dawn Busters on Sunday mornings, followed by drinks and fellowship. He also attended the AMP Romeo Club (Retired Old Men Eating Out) for monthly dinner. He has remained a CUBS and BEARS fan through and through, as well as a Dallas Cowboys fan. After retiring to the Village, he enjoyed fishing, barbecuing, bird watching and golfing, with friends on Tuesdays and with couples on Saturdays. He was an active member of the Village United Methodist Church, serving on the Evangelism Committee/New Member Welcoming Committee, was head usher, served on nearly all of the church’s committees and was involved in their Shepherd Group 22. He was also active in the Village Audubon Club, serving as an officer, was a bluebird watcher at Isabella GC and co-chaired the annual bird seed sale fundraiser. His neighbors at Lake Pineda called him “The Mayor” and for many years he organized floatillas.

His daughter Chelle died at the age of 6, his parents John and Anna Cervenka as well as many aunts, uncles and friends predeceased him.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Glynda; his children, Kela (husband Harry) Davis of Sugar Grove, IL; Kelly (husband John) Johnson of HSV; John (wife Andrea) of Fayetteville, NC; 6 grandchildren, Brittany (husband Evan) Olson & Courtney (husband Austin) Kintz; Jacob & Jeremy (fiancée Kiana) Johnson, Austin & Zachary Cervenka; and 2 much loved great grandchildren, Reese & Waylon Olson. Harry is also survived by his only little sister, Sally (husband Norm) Landry of Missouri City, TX; and his only nephew, Brian (wife Anne Marie) Cervenka and their 3 children, Alex, Adam & Grace of Sugarland, TX.

Harry was a happy man who lived a full and meaningful life and was respected by everyone he met.

A celebration of Harry’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 25th at 10:30 a.m. at the Village United Methodist Church with Rev. Chris Hemund officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: American Cancer Society, donate.cancer.org; HSV Audubon Society, hsvbirds.org; Village United Methodist Church, villageumc.net.

Online condolences at www.caurth-hale.com