Robert Lee Harter Sr.

Front Royal, Va.

Robert Lee Harter Sr., 69, died Nov. 15, 2009, at Winchester Medical Center, Winchester, Va.

He was born Jan. 31, 1940, in Fremont, Ind., to Otis L. and Rose Sevits Harter, who preceded him in death. His wife of 50 years, Maxine “Midge” Harter, survives.

Mr. Harter retired as a master sergeant from the Air Force and had worked for the Drug Enforcement Administration. He earned three degrees from Syracuse University. He was a life member and had served as commander and quartermaster of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Berlin, and as quartermaster at VFW Post 1860, Front Royal, Va. He was a member of the American Legion, the Disabled American Veterans and several other military associations and support networks. He and his wife were avid bowlers, participating in four leagues in Front Royal, Va.

Survivors also include two children, Debra L. Ryerson, of Virginia Beach, Va., and Robert L. Harter Jr., of Johnstown, Pa.; a brother, Lester Harter, of Fishers, Ind.; a sister, Beverly A. Ross, of Monterey, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Robert L. Harter III, who he raised as his own son, Jonathan C. Harter, Kristen Masten, Jennifer Cook, Steven Ryerson, Gregory Ryerson and Robert Rogers III.; and a great-grandchild, Aiden B. Cook.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Lemoyne Harter.

Memorial services will begin at 7 p.m. today at Maddox Funeral Home, Front Royal, Va. Inurnment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231.