Francis Harter

Francis Eugene Harter of Farmington, MO, was born on Monday, August 3, 1936, in Bonne Terre, MO, to Emmett and Annabel (née Howell) Harter. On Friday, August 8, 2025, at the age of 89, Francis entered his heavenly home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Annabel Harter; his sons, Rock Harter and Scott Harter; and his brothers, JD (Loretta) Harter and Sam Harter.

Francis is survived by his loving wife, Margaret Ruth (née Lacey) Harter; his son, Steve (Frances) Harter; daughters, Hazel (Rick) Castens and Connie (Ken) Reiter; grandchildren, David Harter, Ricky (Beth) Castens, Melissa Mercer (Brandon Anderson), Bryan (Lana) Harter, Tyler Reiter, Aaron (Jessica) Reiter, and Emily Reiter; and great-grandchildren, Caroline Castens, Brodie Mercer, Sidda Harter, Abigail Castens, Jemma Harter, Liam Reiter, and Isaac Reiter. He is also survived by his brother, Dennis (Nancy) Harter; sister-in-law, Imogene Harter; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and his loving church family.

A native of Jefferson County, Francis loved the community he called home. He will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to his faith, his family, and his neighbors.

Growing up in Farmington, Francis moved to St. Louis as a teenager and began working at McDonnell Douglas in their bakery. It was there he discovered his passion for baking—a passion that led him to open his own bakery in St. Louis. He later moved the bakery to Kimmswick, MO, where he not only served pastries, but also served his community as the Mayor of Kimmswick. Eventually, Francis relocated the bakery to Arnold, MO, off Jeffco Blvd just south of Telegraph Road, where it still stands today.

Over the decades, Harter’s Bakery became part of thousands of family celebrations—from weddings to birthdays—creating sweet memories for generations. While he loved baking, Francis’s greatest love was for the Lord. He was an active and faithful member of his church, serving for many years at Windsor Baptist Church and, more recently, at First Baptist Church of Doe Run, MO.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Desloge on Thursday, August 14, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and will resume on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the service at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Keith Huffmann. Interment will follow at Hillview Memorial Garden Cemetery in Farmington.

May Francis Harter rest in eternal peace.