Melvin L. Haer, the son of George A. L. and Verla Faye (Hecker) Haer, was born October 24, 1926 in Craig, Missouri. Melvin was a life long resident of the Craig community. He attended Corning, Missouri High School and graduated from Craig High School in 1944. Upon graduation, Mel was drafted into the United States Army and served as a paratrooper in the 505th Paratrooper Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. After he received his honorable discharge, he operated a trucking business prior to beginning his farming career. On July 1, 1951, Mel was united in marriage to Betty Jo Schreiber at the Presbyterian Church in Mound City, Missouri, and together they began operating the family farm, near Craig, established by his grandfather in 1888. Mel operated this farm throughout his life. After his military service, Mel enjoyed playing baseball, and played with the Corning, Fairfax, and Craig baseball teams as a pitcher and played against many town teams in Northwest Missouri and Southwest Iowa. Many of Mel’s opponents remember playing against him and would make that connection with his children in later years.

Mel’s love of baseball and sports continued after his playing days. He gave back to the Craig community as he willingly umpired many Little League and Pony League games. He also enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren compete in various sports and their athletic endeavors. Mel and Jo raised their family on the home place where he actively continued to pursue his love of farming and enjoy his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mel’s community involvement included serving for many years on the Craig School Board and as Board President. He was a member of the Story-Hardin American Legion Post #164, Craig, and was proud that he was a member of this organization for 63 continuous years. Mel also served on the Board of Directors for the Bank of Craig, and was a member of the St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Craig. He passed away on Friday, May 8, 2009 at the age of 82 years, on his family farm.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Mark M. Haer, an infant daughter, and two brothers, Clarence and Glen Haer. Survivors include his wife, Jo, of their home; son, Gary (Mary) Haer, Gardner, Kansas, daughter-in-law, Lisa (Alan) Yocum, Mound City, Missouri, daughter, Jodee (Shawn) Minter, Rock Port, Missouri, son, Jason (Tiffani) Haer, Maryville, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, Jobeth, Tim, Megan, Ellen, Lauren, Abigail, Mitchell, Corbin, Braden, Gabriel, Tyler, Tegan, Truett, Tallyn; five step-grandchildren, Eric, Emily, Becky, Jennifer, Jodi; one great grandson, Cale; five step great granddaughters, Ellie, Mackenzie, Kiersten, Kylie, Amarissa; four step great grandsons, Jacob, Evan, Christian and Garrett, brothers, Darrell (Earleen) Haer, Aurora, Missouri, and Garth (Shirley) Haer, Villisca, Iowa.

Funeral Service:
10:00 A.M., Monday, May 11, 2009, Christian Fellowship Church, Mound City, Missouri.
Interment: I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Craig.
Visitation: 6:00 – 7:00 Sunday, May 10th, Christian Fellowship Church.
Memorials: May be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Military services are under the auspices of the Story-Hardin American Legion Post #164, Craig.
Online obituaries and condolences at www.minterfuneralchapels.com
Services directed by Minter Funeral Chapel, Rock Port, Missouri.