Robert Lee Harton

Robert Lee (Bob) Harton, age 79, passed away peacefully at home with his wife of 53 years by his side on Thursday, January 23, 2025. He fought valiantly three cancers over a period of ten years. Bob was born on March 16, 1945 in Oakland, California to Ernest and Dora Lee Harton. The family migrated to Raleigh where at the age of 17 he dropped out of school to join the Marine Corps. Including his time in the Army National Guard Bob served 39 years in the military. After leaving the Marine Corps he attended Lenoir Community College and then on to East Carolina University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in trade and industrial education. After graduating from college he taught almost 30 years in Craven County Schools at Havelock Jr. High and New Bern High. During that time he was known for Hawaiian shirts and cooking chili for his students.

While attending college Bob met and married the love of his life, Kay Tesh, and moved to New Bern renting an apartment upstairs in the Blades Home. In 1980 they purchased their forever home in Trent Woods and the following year they welcomed their first son, Chris. In 1983 Kay started a business called The Lollipop Tree and Bob not only supported it, but built the majority of the trees for the lollipops. Their second son, Kasey was born in 1989. Bob and Kay, also a teacher, both retired from NBHS in 2012, the same year Kasey graduated from the school.

Survivors include his wife Kay, his son, Chris Harton (Britt); Kasey Harton (Mary Beth) and their son, Bob's only grandchild, Robbie Harton who loved eating marshmallows with Pop. He is also survived by his four-legged schnauzer, Katie.

During his life, Bob enjoyed cooking, entertaining and traveling with Kay and his boys in the states as well as in countries abroad. The most memorable vacation was taking his family on a trip to see the National Parks out west along with seeing the shows in Las Vegas. Bob was famous for his grilling and his hot wings. He was a member of Garber Methodist Church where he participated in mission trips to Costa Rica. He belonged to East Carolina Yacht Club where early in their marriage and prior to children Bob and kay lived on his boat during the summer.

Also a member of the Shrine Club, Chefs Crew and Doric Lodge Bob helped to prepare many meals for various functions.

Services will be at Garber Methodist Church on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM. Viewing will take place thirty minutes prior to the service. Burial will occur at New Bern Memorial Cemetery on Chelsea Road where Military and Masonic rites will be given.

Bob loved Hawaiian shirts and was known for wearing them while teaching. In his honor, please feel free to wear a Hawaiian shirt or something similar.

Bob asked Kay to place one yellow rose on his grave as that was their favorite flower.

In Lieu of other flowers donations can be made to:

Wounded Warrior Project - PO Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675

Tunnels to Towers - 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island NY 10306

Shriners Hospital for Children - 950 West Faris Rd. Greenville, SC.

Bob often said that God had blessed him in so many ways.