Richard Harter

Richard Allen Harter, 64, of Thebes, Illinois died Monday, May 4, 2015 after a courageous fight against leukemia. He was born June 24, 1950 in Chester, Illinois to Austin G. and Esther J. Moe Harter. He and Teresa "Terrie" Benefield were married August 16, 1991 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Rich was a graduate of Central High School and received his bachelor of science in accounting from Southeast Missouri State University. Rich and his family first lived in Perryville, Missouri, where his dad Austin owned and operated a local ice company. In 1964 the family purchased Pure Ice Company and moved to Cape Girardeau. Rich would spend many summers and weekends working alongside his dad learning the business. In 1976, Rich and his brother Glenn bought the ice plant from their dad, who was retiring. They grew and expanded the business throughout southeast Missouri until both retired in 2011. He was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church. An avid supporter of junior wrestling, Rich helped create the wrestling program at Notre Dame High School in 2010. As an assistant coach, his teams took 12 young men to state, including both of his sons. Survivors include his wife Terrie, two sons, Ryan and Austin, also of Thebes, Illinois, a daughter, Jennifer (Robb) Wilson of St. Louis, Missouri, brother Glennon (Julia) Harter of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, sister Mary Harter of Thornton, Colorado, grandson Luke Krapf and granddaughter Kate Wilson, both of St. Louis, Missouri, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Austin G. Harter, mother Esther J. Moe Harter and sister Julie C. Harter. Friends may call 4 to 8 pm on Friday, May 8, 2015 at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau. Parish prayers will be at 7 pm. Funeral service will be at 10:00 am Saturday, May 9, 2015 at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Cape Girardeau with the Rev. David Hulshof officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to Rich's Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Light the Night" Team. Donations can be sent to: Light the Night, 1972 Innerbelt Business Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63114 or credit card donations can be made by calling 314-590-2230. Online donations can be made at: pages.lightthenight.org/gat/StLouis15/rharter.

Tributes

Richard Harter

May 4, 2015