Harley Merle Stover was born on June 3, 1929, to Orange and Irene (Harris) Stover in Conrad, IA. At 14 months of age, Harley contracted polio; the disease twisted his right leg, and he had several surgeries over many years to straighten the leg allowing him greater ease in walking. In his youth, unable to physically participate in sports, he devoted his time to reading and amateur photography. Harley graduated from Conrad High School with the class of 1947. He attended Iowa State University to study Electrical Engineering. While at Iowa State, he was a photographer at Hill’s Photography Studio in campus town. He continued working that job for many years. Harley loved photographing campus scenes and people and events. He also worked as a photographer at the Ames Tribune, doing darkroom photo processing and photography assignments. Later, while living in Conrad, he worked for Mediacom Corporation in Marshalltown until his retirement.

Harley was preceded in death by his parents, Orange and Irene, one sister, Annabelle, who died in infancy, and two brothers, Harris and Lavern.

He is survived by his brother Laurence, of Plymouth, MI, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Harley was a committed family man and enjoyed spending time with his large extended family. He enjoyed cooking and trying new recipes, loved listening to all genres of music and even had an extensive CD collection. He was a member and faithful attendee at Alice Church of God.