Born on January 29, 1924, the fifth of 11 children in Billings, Missouri, he served in the Pacific Theatre during WWII then moved to Kansas City, Missouri, retiring from US Postal Inspectors and Mainstreet Credit Union.
He is survived by daughter Rebecca J. McNeal (Ralph) Grandview, Missouri and son James F. Harter (Lynda) Oregon, 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and extended family.
Mass of Christian Burial, December 14 at 10:00 am, St. Matthew Apostle Church, 8001 Longview Road, Kansas City, Missouri, 64134. Rosary 6:00 pm December 13 followed by visitation. Burial at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, 105th and Holmes.
Francis was born in Billings, Missouri at Turnback Creek, on January 29, 1924, the fifth of eleven Children of William John Harter and Louise Frances Schatz. He always said he was the littlest of the big kids and biggest of the little kids. His siblings were Marie, Ben (Reverend), Andrew, Edward, (Francis), Anna, Irene, Charles, Wilfred, Rose, and Tony. After high school graduation, Francis completed Business School which was an accomplishment for the hard-scrabble farm boy. The Army called him to the Pacific Theatre in World War II where he served as driver for Gen. MacArthur. He was also a supply officer which led to interesting procurements for his men. After Francis' honorable discharge, he moved to Kansas City where he married, and his two children were born: Becky (Harter) McNeal (Deacon Joe) and Jim Harter (Lynda). He never lost his love for childhood wonder and was the proud grandfather of five: Scott, Heather (Mike), Rhett, Rachel (Gabe), and Robin. Nine great grandchildren often benefitted from his wisdom: (Heather): Steven, Blake, Abigail; (Scott): Lillie, Evie; and (Rachel): Malachi, Kezia, Jazziah, Lycia.
Indeed, Francis was wise. Growing up on a small dairy farm, he learned hard work at a young age. On this poor dirt farm, Francis learned to read the skies. He could see the wind in the clouds and time the arrival of a storm. He knew the constellations and stars by name and would spend hours on hot evenings teaching his children the stars' names. Becky and Jim often struggled with difficult concepts until they understood; he would say, "Well, sure as the world." Becky says she finally understood that phrase as a young teen and excitedly explained it to him. He told her, "Well sure as the world," and it was the last time he ever used that phrase. He had taught the concept well- wisdom.
Francis worked his way up from a complaints agent at US Postal Service to retire from the US Postal Inspectors. He went on to a second retirement as courier at Mainstreet Credit Union. He was involved in several bank robberies during his time there. Until 2018 Francis was still managing his stock market trading. While he had an advisor, he was quick to say he was in charge of his portfolio, refusing to buy or sell if it didn't make sense.
He enjoyed traveling, but his favorite trip was an Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., just 5 years ago. He flirted with "USO girls" and prayed at the sight of the World War II Memorial. He was reminded of the realism of war at the Korean War Memorial and spent hours looking at his "mail
call" letters from home.
Just a month short of his 96th birthday, Francis bore many crosses and fought mightily through physical misfortunes, surgeries, and hardships. He was always positive in his attitudes and emerged stronger for the efforts. Becky, Jim, and extended family thank you for your support and kindnesses through this journey.
