Emmett Samuel "Sam" Harter

September 3, 1931 - January 24, 2021

Emmett Samuel "Sam" Harter, 89 years of Waterloo, IL, formerly of Columbia, IL., passed away on January 24, 2021 at Cedarhurst of Waterloo in Waterloo, IL. He was born September 3, 1931, in St. Francois County, MO. Sam was a retired truck driver, having driven for REA Freight Lines and Consolidated Freightways. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 41 for 30 years. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Dupo, IL., where he served as a Deacon. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge in St. Francois County, MO., for over 65 years. Sam loved to travel, working in his church, listening to gospel music and spending time with his family and his friends. Surviving are his wife of 70 years, Imogene Harter, nee Middleton, of Waterloo, IL., his son, Samuel D. (Nita) Harter of Ottawa, KS., his daughter, Sue (Joe) Link of Waterloo, IL., his brother, Francis (Margaret) Harter of Farmington, MO., his brother, Dennis (Nancy) Harter of Ironton, MO., his granddaughter, Stacy (Ron) Smith of Blue Springs, MO., his grandson Samuel B. Harter of Olathe, KS., his granddaughter Stephanie Harter of Kansas City, MO., his granddaughter Michelle (Michael) Dillon of Columbia, IL., step- grandson, Andy (Supi) Link of Thailand, step-granddaughter, Stacy Link of St. Louis, MO., step-grandson, Chris (Theresa) Whalen of Lebo, KS., step-grandson, Philip (Angie) Whalen of Lawrence, KS., 9 great grandchildren, 4 great great grandchildren, along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett Simon and Annabelle, nee Howelll, Harter. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 29, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church (620 Godin Ave.) in Dupo, IL. Masks are required and current CDC and social distancing guidelines are to be followed. The family requests that guests refrain from hugging and handshaking. Private funeral services for family and relatives will be held at the First Baptist Church in Dupo, IL., with Rev. Roger Reid, officiating. To view the funeral via livestream, go to fbcdupo.com/livestream. Interment will follow in the Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery in Millstadt, IL. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to First Baptist Church, Dupo 620 Godin Ave. P.O. Box 219, Dupo, IL, 62239 . For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home in Dupo, IL.