Heaven opened its doors to, Robert Lee Harter, one of God's faithful servants on the evening of Thanksgiving, November 26, 2009. Robert finished his earthly journey and heard "well done!" from his Master. The heavenly community is no doubt rejoicing that they have a new resident who is a handyman, tireless gardener, entertaining storyteller and a strong voice in the heavenly choir. He was born to Howard and Mary (nee, Zumbrun) Harter on Feb. 13, 1916 in Noble County, Indiana and then they moved the family to Fort Wayne in 1922. Maturing during the Great Depression, he honed the skill of frugality to a superlative degree, yet he remained open-handedly generous to his family, friends, church and other charities. A self-educated man he worked for 42 years at Peter Eckrich & Sons and served in all departments of the company, but, found his niche as a stockroom clerk. He was an avid sports fan and had coached for three years the Eckrich sponsored Little League team at Rockhill Park. He managed The Fruehauf Little League team at Queen of Angels for three years, and assisted the coach of Eskay Dairy's Pony League team at Lawton Park. He finished his managing activities with Archway Cookie's Colt League team at Lakeside Park. Retired for 31 years his time was consumed with his family, traveling for visits and supporting his grand children's education and activities. He was a staunch supporter for the Chicago Cubs and Indiana University Basketball team his entire life. In his elderly years, he found great love for the games! His real passion though, was working a well-manicured lawn and garden. His vegetable garden was the epitome of practically and aesthetic beauty. Each year, the flowers and vegetables of his labor overflowed and many family and friends were recipients of his abundance. He will be sorely missed and grieved but not without hope. We look forward to a joyful reunion in the future at heaven's gate.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Maxine, his dearest friend and inseparable companion shares our sorrow, but also the deep joy of Roberts release from the burden of a worn out body; son, Randy (Rebecca) Harter of Asheville, N.C.; daughters, Susan Harter-Martin of Colorado Springs, CO, Sherry (Michael) Mommer and Sharman (John) Ankenbruck both of Fort Wayne; "we all feel the pain, but, rejoice in the certainty of his eternal life" eight grandchildren, Clark (Emily) Harter, Kelly (Steven) Jorro, Carey Harter, Mariah (Philip) French, Suzanna Mommer, John Robert (Stacy) Ankenbruck, Nick (Kara) Ankenbruck and Tommie Ankenbruck; eight great-grandchildren, Ruth, Noah, and Isaac Harter, Micah and Silas French, Johnnie, Samuel , and Whitney Ankenbruck. All share the legacy of Robert's life well lived.

He was preceded in death by nine brothers, Hobart, Perry, Herman, Basil, Jessie, Clifford, Ernest, Ross, and Keith; three sisters, Golda Keener, Juanita York, and Eleanor Zollinger; son-in-law, Jerry Martin.

Memorial Service will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 609 Putnam St., Fort Wayne, on Monday, November 30, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. Calling for family and friends will be Sunday 2-6 at Trinity United Methodist Church, also calling is 1 hour prior to service time. Private Entombment at Covington Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Preferred memorials are to the American Red-Cross or Trinity United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Covington Memorial Gardens Funeral Home and Cemetery.