L. “Max” Porter
On Sunday, December, 16, 2012 Max departed this life in the loving arms of his wife and family.
Max was born December 2, 1934 to Leo W. and Margaret E. (Davis) Porter. He grew up in Springfield and graduated from Senior High School in 1952. He later obtained an Associate’s Degree from Drury in 1992.
Max married his high school sweetheart and devoted wife Barbara (Creek) Porter in 1955 while serving his country in the Air Force in Rapid City, S.D.
Max was a hard working businessman and entrepreneur. He devoted 30 of his working years to creating and operating Porter Automotive Parts, and later L & K Automotive. He later obtained his real estate license and worked as an agent for Murney & Associates. He became a Million Dollar Club Life Member of the Board of Realtors in 1992. That same year, he became an investor and member of the Board of Directors of Countryside Bank. In recent years Max brought his energy and enthusiasm to his role as an investor and Director for the Bank of Missouri.
Max accepted Jesus at an early age. He was an active member of Seminole Baptist Church where he enjoyed sharing his musical talent, especially singing with the Companion Quartet.
Max’s interests and talents were too vast to detail. He was an accomplished musician, singer, golfer, inventor, woodworker, master gardener and softballer, to name a few.
In 2000 he was inducted into the Springfield Amateur Softball Hall of Fame in recognition of his many years excelling as a pitcher and hitter at high levels of slow pitch softball.
Max is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara, his daughter Kathy and her husband John Lightner, his daughter Lisa, his grandchildren Adam, Ike, Kylie and Colton Lightner, his sister Dolores and her husband Bill Strong, brother Wayne and his wife Freddie, brother Richard and his wife Sandra, close family friend Margaret Porter Brown, and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Max was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, including his extended family of furry companions. His spirit resides in all of the many he so deeply touched.
We love you Papa.
Visitation will be held Thursday, December 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Seminole Baptist Church, 4221 S. National. Funeral services will be at the church, Friday, December 21 at 9:30 a.m. officiated by Reverend Don Baier. Burial will follow at Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Humane Society in Max’s honor.