Gerald Roy Harter, 84, of Ottumwa died at 8:42 p.m. January 26, 2024 at Hospice House in Ottumwa.
He was born February 13, 1939 in Ottumwa to Kenneth Roy and Gladys Fairchild Harter. He married Charlotte Ellis and later divorced. He married Diane King and later divorced.
A graduate of Hedrick High School, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1957-1963. Returning to Ottumwa, he worked for John Deere Ottumwa Works, retiring in 1996. He farmed throughout his retirement, raising hogs and loving farm life.
Surviving are his children, Jerald (Karen) Harter of Hedrick, Mindy (Michael) Greene of Ottumwa, Michelle (Stephen) Jennings of Scottsdale, AZ, Dana (Tim) Kuhl of Creston and Robyn Griffiths of Ottumwa; thirteen grandchildren, Christopher Harter, Chelsea (Cory) Salter, Dyllan (Sara Jo) Greene, Dalton (Christina) Greene, Dakota Greene, Davis Greene, Rodney (Shawna) Jennings, Whitney Jennings, Stephanie Jennings, Ashton Hughes, Mason Hughes, Damon Griffiths and Seth (Ivy) Griffiths; six great grandchildren, Dustin Greene, Riley Townsend, Logan Jennings, Lucian Jennings, Miley Mundell and Presley Jennings; a brother, Donald (Chris) Harter of Burlington; a sister, Ellen (Riley) Franklin of St. Louis, MO; along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and his dog, Frisky.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Junior Harter, a sister, Patty Harter; and a son-in-law, Kevin Griffiths.
Visitation will be open after 10 a.m. Friday, February 2nd at Reece Funeral Home with his family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, February 3rd at Reece Funeral Home with Chaplain Doug McAntire officiating. Military honors will be conducted by O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and Walter B. Schafer Post # 775 Veterans of Foreign Wars. Cremation will follow the service.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Serving Davis and Wapello Counties or Heartland Humane Society.
