William Joseph Harte

William Joseph Harte, age 98, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, with his loving wife, Mary Martha Harte, by his side. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 25,1927 to Mary Cashman Harte and William Justin Harte. In 1945, he graduated from Westport High School and entered military service with the United States Navy. He attended the University of Colorado-Boulder, was a member of the cross-country team and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He obtained an MBA from the University of Missouri-Columbia. In 1955, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Welch and they went on to raise three children. Bill began a 40-year career in the aeronautical and defense industries, highlighted by his time at Westinghouse, Bendix and Allied Signal. Upon retiring, Bill’s passion for meaningful work led him to pursue a second career developing residential subdivisions in the greater Kansas City area. He loved the great outdoors, travel, reading, and spending time with his extended family. We will always remember him by his eternal optimism, his willingness to help others and his zest for life. He leaves behind his loving wife Mary, his three children and their spouses, Mary Kay Harte Guevel (Larry), Bob Harte (Addie), Carol Harte Crowe (Jeff); grandchildren Jackie Harrison (Kevin), Jeff Crowe, Jr. (Mary Clare), Ted Guevel (Melissa), Mary Simpson (Hank), Lily Garside (Will), Joey Crowe, Carolyn Crowe, Jack Harte, William Crowe, Rose Crowe and Lena Harte and three great grandsons, Charlie and Tripp Crowe and Owen Harrison. He also leaves behind his sisters, Kathleen Kirk (Bruce) and Ellen Singleton (Bill). A mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, January 17th at 10:00 am at Visitation Church (5141 Main St). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Visitation Church, the Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.