Robert "Bob" Harter

Robert Thomas Harter
December 21, 1934 – May 3, 2025
Robert "Bob" Thomas Harter, 90, of Billings, Missouri, peacefully passed away at his home knowing that all chores were done, and he was ready to go to Heaven.
Born during the Great Depression on the family farm outside of Billings, Bob was the youngest of Leo and Laura (Arndt) Harter's 14 children. With such a wide age range between the oldest and the youngest, he was already an uncle at the time of his birth. He inherited a strong work ethic, and family was at the heart of everything.
Bob attended church and school at St. Joseph's in Billings and hunted and farmed alongside many of his brothers and nephews. He joined the U.S. Army and later completed his service in the Reserves.
He worked at the garment factory in Republic, which is where he met Linda Lou Williams. They were married at St. Joseph's in 1960, and the couple had two daughters. Bob purchased a farm just across the holler and continued working the land. While juggling dairy and beef cattle and putting up hay, he was also employed at several area companies, including Dayco, Moorman's Feed, Morrow's Lumber Yard, and Healthcare Manufacturing.
Bob eventually retired from his day jobs, but continued his lifelong work on the farm. He faced destruction from two separate tornadoes, but rebuilt each time. He always kept a close eye on the cattle markets and was strategic in utilizing hay and grazing pastures so all would last through cold, snowy winters and sweltering summer droughts.
Despite varying geographic distances, Bob also enjoyed sharing in the lives of his two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. All loved coming to see "Pop" on the farm, visiting with his little dog, Gracie, and exploring the countryside.
In 2012, Bob was proud to represent the Harter and Arndt families when he was inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution by way of his great-great-great Grandfather Isaac Garrison, Jr.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his parents, Leo and Laura; and 13 siblings: Arthur, Carl, Nellie, Alice, Clarence "CJ," Richard, Raymond, Lucille (Skaggs), Dorothy (Blakely), Leo Murl "Puetz," Bernard, James Robert "Jim," and Wilbert.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Donna and Gayla Harter; his granddaughter, Jami Yednock and her husband, Joe; his grandson, Jordan Raab and his wife, Melissa; three great-grandchildren: Brayden and Brianne Yednock and Zara Raab; sister-in-law, Mildred Mack; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A farmer's work is never done here on Earth, but Bob soon will enjoy some time off as he reunites with beloved family and friends in Heaven.
The family expresses appreciation to all who visited and offered support during the past year, as well as to staff at Phoenix Hospice for their care and guidance. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Billings, MO, or to a charity with special meaning to you.