(From Greenlawn Funeral Home)
Steven J Harter passed peacefully from this earth in the early morning of November 9, 2026.
Born in Springfield, MO, to Andrew and Mildred Harter on February 26, 1946, he spent his young life growing up in Rockaway Beach and Branson. He graduated from Branson High School and completed his college degree at Drury University. He married Barbara Aubin in 1968 and moved to Kansas City, MO where he started a family and his long career in the insurance industry.
Over the decades, his knowledge of insurance and his ethical approach to the industry led many to seek out his expertise, even asking him to testify in Congress. He was locally and nationally recognized in the Independent Insurance Agent world. He and Barb remained in Kansas City (except for a brief move to Hartford, CT) until 1988 when they moved to Carthage, MO. While in Carthage, Steve started his own Independent Insurance Agency and he and Barb then took a leap of faith on a business endeavor providing services to the developmentally disabled of SW Missouri. This moved them to Ava where they lived for about 10 years. Even after "retirement", Steve remained active on numerous boards and committees for all of his businesses.
Steve led an active church life. He was baptized into the Catholic Church by his uncle, Father Benedict Harter (his very first baptism!). He was a dedicated Parishioner of the church, serving in many rolls, including being a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. If you want to know about "casual" Steve, know that Steve was of humble character. Unassuming and respectful. A quick wit and exceptionally smart. A man of quiet faithfulness. A man who lived life. He was a helper to all who needed it whether it be financial, spiritual, a good meal or a place to stay. And speaking of a good meal, if you walked (or rolled) away from his table hungry….that was on you!
He was a man of the Ozarks. Born and raised in their heart, he knew the highways and byways and all the stories every turn in the road held. He had an eye for beauty and valued the history in things. Walking into an antique shop with him was a lesson-what to look for, why the object may or may not be of value.
He loved his children and grandchildren. He loved gardening and could grow just about anything. Daylilies were a favorite hobby.
Born in Springfield, MO, to Andrew and Mildred Harter on February 26, 1946, he spent his young life growing up in Rockaway Beach and Branson. He graduated from Branson High School and completed his college degree at Drury University. He married Barbara Aubin in 1968 and moved to Kansas City, MO where he started a family and his long career in the insurance industry.
Over the decades, his knowledge of insurance and his ethical approach to the industry led many to seek out his expertise, even asking him to testify in Congress. He was locally and nationally recognized in the Independent Insurance Agent world. He and Barb remained in Kansas City (except for a brief move to Hartford, CT) until 1988 when they moved to Carthage, MO. While in Carthage, Steve started his own Independent Insurance Agency and he and Barb then took a leap of faith on a business endeavor providing services to the developmentally disabled of SW Missouri. This moved them to Ava where they lived for about 10 years. Even after "retirement", Steve remained active on numerous boards and committees for all of his businesses.
Steve led an active church life. He was baptized into the Catholic Church by his uncle, Father Benedict Harter (his very first baptism!). He was a dedicated Parishioner of the church, serving in many rolls, including being a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. If you want to know about "casual" Steve, know that Steve was of humble character. Unassuming and respectful. A quick wit and exceptionally smart. A man of quiet faithfulness. A man who lived life. He was a helper to all who needed it whether it be financial, spiritual, a good meal or a place to stay. And speaking of a good meal, if you walked (or rolled) away from his table hungry….that was on you!
He was a man of the Ozarks. Born and raised in their heart, he knew the highways and byways and all the stories every turn in the road held. He had an eye for beauty and valued the history in things. Walking into an antique shop with him was a lesson-what to look for, why the object may or may not be of value.
He loved his children and grandchildren. He loved gardening and could grow just about anything. Daylilies were a favorite hobby.
Steve is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Aubin Harter, his parents, and his youngest brother, Phillip. He is survived by his special lady friend Annette Smith; his middle brother Benjamin (Janie) Harter; daughter Chanin (Rick) Ropka; his son Chris Harter; grandchildren Jacob and Grace (Ropka), Ellie, Ben and Anna (Harter) along with many cherished nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Greenlawn Funeral Home in Branson, MO, from 5-7 pm.
A second visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Branson, MO, from 8-10 am, followed by mass and burial will follow in the Mountain Grove Cemetery on T Highway in Branson.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Coats for Kids through Knights of Columbus. Make checks to: K of C Council 6470, In Memo Coats for Kids. Our Lady of The Lake, 203 Vaughn Dr. Branson, Mo. 65616.
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