Francis Eugene Harter, 89, of Farmington died Aug. 8, 2025. A native of Jefferson County, Mr. Harter loved the community he called home. He will be remembered for his devotion to his faith, his family and his neighbors. Growing up in Farmington, he 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 family to Kimmswick, where he served his community as the Mayor. He opened Harter's Bakery in Arnold and eventually relocated the bakery to a new location 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. 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. Born Aug. 3, 1936, in Bonne Terre, he was the son of the late Emmett and Annabel (Howell) Harter.
He is survived by his wife: Margaret Ruth (Lacey) Harter; a son: Steve (Frances) Harter; two daughters: Hazel (Rick) Castens and Connie (Ken) Reiter; seven grandchildren: David Harter, Ricky (Beth) Castens, Melissa (Brandon Anderson) Mercer, Bryan (Lana) Harter, Tyler Reiter, Aaron (Jessica) Reiter and Emily Reiter; seven great grandchildren: Caroline Castens, Brodie Mercer, Sidda Harter, Abigail Castens, Jemma Harter, Liam Reiter and Isaac Reiter; a brother: Dennis (Nancy) Harter; a sister-in-law: Imogene Harter; and many other family members, friends and church family.
He was preceded in death by two sons: Rock Harter and Scott Harter; and two brothers: JD (Loretta) Harter and Sam Harter.
Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home, 1116 N. Desloge Drive, in Desloge. Visitation will resume from 10 a.m. until a service at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Keith Huffmann. Burial will follow in Hillview Memorial Garden Cemetery in Farmington. Memorials may be made to Missouri Baptist Children's Home, 11300 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, 63044 or First Baptist Church, 3049 Hwy. 221 Doe Run, 63637. Arrangements are under the direction of C.Z. Boyer & Son Funeral Home.