AKRON – Joseph E. Harter, 89, of rural Akron, passed at 3 a.m. Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at Parkview Randallia Hospital of Fort Wayne.
Joe was born on Jan. 21, 1932, in Rochester, to the late Wilbur Charles and Fern Mae Taylor Harter. He was married in November of 1959 in Chicago to Beverley Martz; she survives.
He was a 1950 graduate of Akron High School, where he was class president for all four years. He served his country in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean War, where he was wounded. He was honorably discharged from the military at the rank of sergeant. He then graduated from Washington University of St. Louis with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and the University of Missouri Columbia with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering.
Joe was an engineer with General Motors of Kokomo for 27 years, as well as a farmer. He always enjoyed his time working on the farm. He was a member of the American Legion of Kokomo and also of the Omega Church for many years.
Joe is survived by his wife, Beverley Harter; son, Joseph Harter Jr., of Muncie; daughters: Ruth Ann Harter, of Akron; Mary Beth and husband Greg Gast, of Akron; and Elizabeth Harter, of North Manchester; grandchildren: Derrick Harter, Thomas Gast, Christopher Harter, Taylor Gast, Jessica Harter, Megan Wagner, Sarah Wagner and Brayden Wagner; great-grandchildren, Elise Harter and Rienn Gagnon; and sisters, Carolyn Largen, of St. Louis, Mo.; and Suzanne Niles, of Muncie.
He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Hester Jane, Esther Jean and Mary Ann.
Following his wishes, private family services will be held with Pastor Thad Stewart officiating. The interment will take place in the Akron Cemetery, Akron, with graveside military rites in honor of his service.
The arrangements have been entrusted to Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron.
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Donations can be made in Joe’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
Share a memory or send an online condolence at www.hartzlerfuneralservices.com.
