Donald E. Harter, 85, of McElhattan passed away Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Lock Haven Hospital.
Born July 19, 1932 in Avis, he was the son of the late William and ClaraBelle Sylvis Harter.
He was a graduate of Jersey Shore High School.
Don proudly served in the United States Army as well as both the Army and Marine Corps Reserves, retiring after over 20 years of service.
On December 9, 1965, he married the former Judy Andrus, who survives.
Don, also known to many as “Pap,” was a hard worker, entering the workforce at a young age as farm help during the Great Depression. He provided for his family by working at and retiring from Piper Aircraft for 28 years, Avis Homes after 10 years and Croda, Inc. after 10 years. Between jobs Pap stocked shelves at Big N. He also bartended for over 50 years at many local clubs and establishments, often bartending Piper Aircraft’s private parties.
Pap was a lifetime member of both the Lock Haven American Legion and the 40 & 8. He was also a member of the Castanea Fire Company, Lock Haven Moose, Sons of Italy and Eagles Club.
He enjoyed keeping busy and could be found volunteering at Bountiful Blessing at the United Evangelical Lutheran Church or at Wayne Township Fire Hall events.
Prior to his health declining, Pap enjoyed hunting and fishing.
More recently, he could be seen driving his golf cart around McElhattan or found enjoying his daily bowl of ice cream.
Pap was a great husband and family man who cherished the time he spent with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Judy Harter of McElhattan, he is survived by three daughters: Robin (Terry) Condo of McElhattan, Tina Bailor of Jersey Shore and Kelly Jo (Tim) Olmstead of Flemington; five grandchildren: Ashley Condo of Florida, Melissa Condo of Bellefonte, Tarynee Bailor of Flemington, Christopher Harter of Brookville and Scott Bowman of Beech Creek; eight great grandchildren; and his cousin, Gordon Sylvis, who was more like a brother.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Donald William Harter.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 19, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the Donald G. Walker Funeral Home, Inc., 231 High St., Flemington. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park.
Friends and family will be received at the funeral home on Wednesday from 4 until 8 p.m. as well as on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to either McElhattan United Methodist Church or United Evangelical Lutheran Church through the funeral home.
Online condolences may be given by visiting http://www.donaldwalkerfuneralhome.com
