Earl Benton Colter

Earl was born on October 28, 1933, in Hartsburg, MO the son of Ernest and Mary (Green) Colter who preceded him in death. On January 11, 1953, he was united in marriage to Martha (Moore) Colter, who preceded him in death on December 26, 1997. He was a faithful member of Hopewell Baptist Church in New Bloomfield, MO.

Earl was employed at Missouri Builders in Jefferson City, MO for more than 65 years before retiring as a supervisor. He not only provided several roofs through his job but also was dedicated to taking care of family and friends, providing a lot of local roofs in Callaway County. He was hardworking and dedicated to doing the job correctly.

Rarely sitting idle, Earl was a man that was always on the go and did not know a stranger. He was a member of the XYZ Club in New Bloomfield, where he spent countless hours playing games, cards and visiting with his friends. He was an avid outdoorsman; he spent numerous hours in the garden and mushroom hunting. During deer season, he would be found at the “deer shack” making his famous ham and beans and homemade candy for the hunters. Once Christmas came around, he made homemade candy and delivered it to local businesses and individuals in the community. Earl was not afraid of the kitchen; he was proud to be a good cook and enjoyed canning his produce from his abundant harvest from the garden.

Not only did he have a hard time saying no to favors from friends, but also to his family. Family was very important to Earl – especially the grandchildren. He was proud to be called “Papa”. His kindness and deep love for family will be remembered by everyone. Earl leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, dedicated service to others, and an abiding love for his family. He truly lived an exceptional life well-lived.

Survivors include: four daughters, Debbie Frank (Bill) of New Bloomfield, MO, Karen Klug (Conley) of New Bloomfield, MO, Tammy Robinson (Darrel) of Bowling Green, MO and Wendy Hartman (Steve) of New Bloomfield, MO; two sons, Steve Colter (Marylin) of Holts Summit, MO and Robby Colter (John) of Columbia, MO; one brother, Donald Colter of Jefferson City, MO; one sister, Jeanette Coulter of Jacksonville, MO; 18 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Larry Colter and Jerome Colter, four sisters, Betty Lou Colter, Mary Lee Gilpen, Earnestine Robinett and Helen Burkholder and one grandson, Eric Raps.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 10:00 am - 11:00 am at Debo Funeral Home in Holts Summit, MO. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am at the funeral home with Rev. Shane Crum officiating. Burial will be in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens in Jefferson City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, c/o Debo Funeral

Home, 833 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251.