Richard Harter

THEBES, Ill. -- Richard Allen Harter, 64, of Thebes died Monday, May 4, 2015, after a courageous fight against leukemia.

He was born June 24, 1950, in Chester, Illinois, to Austin G. and Esther J. Moe Harter. He and Teresa "Terrie" Benefield were married Aug. 16, 1991, in Cape Girardeau.

Rich was a graduate of Central High School and received a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Southeast Missouri State University.

He and his family first lived in Perryville, Missouri, where his dad owned and operated a local ice company. In 1964, the family purchased Pure Ice Co. and moved to Cape Girardeau. Rich would spend many summers and weekends working alongside his dad learning the business.

In 1976, Rich and his brother, Glenn, bought the ice plant from their dad, who was retiring. They grew and expanded the business throughout Southeast Missouri until both retired in 2011.

He was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. An avid supporter of junior wrestling, Rich helped create the wrestling program at Notre Dame Regional High School in 2010. As an assistant coach, his teams took 12 young men to state, including both of his sons.

Survivors include his wife, Terrie; two sons, Ryan and Austin of Thebes; a daughter, Jennifer (Robb) Wilson of St. Louis; a brother, Glennon (Julia) Harter of Cape Girardeau; a sister, Mary Harter of Thornton, Colorado; a grandson, Luke Krapf; a granddaughter, Kate Wilson, both of St. Louis; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Austin G. Harter; mother, Esther J. Moe Harter; and a sister, Julie C. Harter.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Cape Girardeau. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. David Hulshof officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions to Rich's Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Light the Night" Team. Donations may be sent to Light the Night, 1972 Innerbelt Business Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63114, or credit card donations may be made by calling 314-590-2230. Online donations may be made at pages.lightthenight.org/gat/StLouis15/rharter.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.