David E. Harter

David "Chops" E. Harter was born February 17, 1940, and passed away June 21, 2025. He lived 85 years, he was proud to say. So proud in fact he would say it at least three times in a conversation just to make sure you were paying attention! Dave spent the first five of those years living with his parents in an apartment with no electricity or running water that his father had built in the loft of the barn, as I'm sure you've heard. Life wasn't easy, but it prepared him for the realities of the world. He was the oldest of the three and would regularly have various cousins staying for extended periods of time. Dave enlisted in the Air Force, and in August of 1959, he set off for Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. I don't think I need to tell you how hot it was. He had many fond memories he would recall from Texas, Bangor Maine (insert three-minute dramatic pause), and Fairford Air Force Base, England, where he met his future wife, Jean Doxsey of Cheltenham, and in 1963, they were married. That same year, they returned to the U.S. to begin their life together. They had two sons, Andrew in 1977, and Stuart in 1978.
Dave believed wholly in three things: God, family, and country. He was a lifelong member of The Church of Christ. Dave attended with multiple congregations but always remained with The Church of Christ. He believed in being a steward of God's creation. He loved gardening, raising livestock and keeping dogs, by far his favorite animals. Dave loved the outdoors and camping. He was a Boy Scout, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, and being selected as a member for Order of the Arrow. To pass along what he had learned, Dave became a Scoutmaster for many years. Later he would also pass along his passion and knowledge of the outdoors to his sons. He loved country music, especially Hank Williams. Sr., and George Jones. He often astonished people with his knowledge of performers, and their songs. Dave's ability to connect with people led him to a career in sales for most of his work life. He always had a kind word, or way of putting things in perspective. He always had time for a cup of tea, especially if cookies were involved! He was always generous, and careful with his words, along with an amazing sense of humor.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ada Harter; his dearly loved brother, John; multiple aunts and uncles; his much-loved cousins: Al "Butch" and Jerry "Cricket" Everson; along with his ex-wife, Jean. He is survived by his sons: Andrew (Amy) and Stuart (Mindy); his grandsons: Josh, Winston and Jackson; his sister, Twila; his nephews: Nickolas and Aaron Allen; his dear friends: David and Annette Kenney, Al and Linda Vanek, along with countless other friends, family, as well as brothers and sisters in Christ. Until we are once again reunited, he will be missed but not forgotten.
Services will be held at Cox-McNulty Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 1376 High Street, Wadsworth, Ohio at 12:00 p.m., with calling hours to begin at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman.
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