Harvey Gene Vermillion, son of Lewis and Cecil (Porter) Vermillion, was born on January 27, 1928 in Locust Grove Township, Farragut, Iowa. He passed away January 13, 2015 in Red Oak, Iowa. He was 86 years old.

Harvey was born in rural Farragut, Iowa, and attended high school in Shenandoah. After graduation, he served for two years in the US Army and then returned home. He was married to Betty Jean Goodell on June 6, 1952, in Randolph, Iowa. They had three children: Mark, Mike, and Janette. Harvey and Betty spent all of their lives in the Shenandoah area where they enjoyed 45 years together until her passing in 1997.

Harvey spent over 50 years operating a bulk fuel delivery service and was the owner of the local DX service station. The station also doubled as a meeting location for many of his friends. Harvey was known to all as Hound Dog. He was a member of the local band the "Hay Shakers" with Don Stripe, Don and David Owens, Charlie Ingram, Sam Irvin, Gary Gullen, and others. His musical career began in 1975 in Bill Miller's truck shed where he conducted jam sessions. The Hay Shakers was formed as a result of those sessions and performed for many years all over southwest Iowa. Harvey loved to play and sing many of the old George Jones and Hank Williams songs. Harvey also enjoyed camping and boating at Viking Lake and Big Lake State Parks. Besides his music, he had a great love for his grandchildren. In his later years, he enjoyed gardening, always sharing his produce with others. He did most of his "cooking" at the Depot Deli where he was known to have a piece of pie or a bowl of ice cream. He spent the last year of his life at Red Oak Health Care where he was visited by many of his friends and family. He was always grateful to his loyal friends and customers who supported him over his many years. Harvey was a member of the Elks Lodge No. 1122 and the Eagles AERIE No. 3849.

Harvey was preceded in death by his wife: Betty Vermillion; grandson: Trevor Vermillion; parents: Lewis and Cecil Vermillion; sister: Udell Andrew and her husband Bill and brother: Forest "Dean" Vermillion.

Those left to cherish his memory include; sons: Mark Vermillion and wife Anne of Red Oak, IA, and Mike Vermillion and wife Jan of Council Bluffs, IA; daughter: Marcia Janette of Shenandoah, IA; grandchildren: Ashley of Omaha, NE, Tyler and Magdalena of Fort Riley, KS, Molly of Council Bluffs, IA, and Matt of Ames, IA; step-grandchildren: George, Gilman and Augustus Cooper of Red Oak, IA; sister: Iva Lee Taylor and husband Jerome of Chicago, IL; brother: Porter Vermillion and wife Gladys of Omaha, NE; sister-in-law: Margaret Vermillion of Carroll, IA; brother-in-law: Charles Goodell and wife Doris of Omaha, NE; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Memorials may be directed to American Red Cross Military Aid or May Mentoring.

Burial will be held at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah.