Richard Taylor “Dick” Porter

November 15, 1945 – March 14, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Richard Taylor “Dick” Porter, a beloved father, brother, husband, grandfather, and friend. Richard was born on November 15, 1945, in Wichita, Kansas, to John Orville and Evelyn Frances (Dixon) Porter. Throughout his life, he embraced the world with warmth, kindness, and an easy charm that endeared him to all who knew him. A proud father and a great man, Richard was known not only for his strong work ethic but also for his quick wit and undeniable charisma.

Richard had a lifelong love of Western films and could recall even the smallest details about classic movies. He enjoyed listening to country music, especially George Strait, often playing his songs during long-distance car rides back to Le Roy. In his younger days, Richard found joy in dirt bikes and classic cars. He also had a fondness for the color green, a small but defining detail that reflected his unique personality. Never one to fade into the background, Richard had a natural flair for drawing attention, and in his younger days, he was quite the ladies’ man—his sharp looks and confident charm always leaving an impression.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Richard spent over three decades at Zenith Electronics Corporation, where he retired as a Supervisor. He cared deeply about doing things the right way and took immense pride in his work, ensuring every project was completed with care and precision. After his career, he often joked about how he had been promoted at every place he worked, despite his best efforts to avoid it.

Richard was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rosalie Porter; his parents, John and Evelyn Porter; his brothers, Darrell Porter and Robert “Bob” Porter; and his sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Porter. His loss is deeply felt by those who survive him, including his children: daughter Susan Simms and her husband, Alan; and son John Porter and his wife, Amanda. He was a proud and devoted grandfather to Spencer Winter and his wife, Jordan, as well as Jack Simms, Jordan, Izak, Abi, Ian, John, and Payton. Richard is also survived by his cherished siblings: his sisters, Sue Anderson and Linda DeMaranville, and her husband, Sam; his brother, Stan Porter, and his wife, Susie; and his sister-in-law, Maureen Porter. He was a man whose love and dedication to his family shone brightly in every moment they shared, and he will be deeply missed by all.

True to his nature, even Richard’s final moments were anything but ordinary. As he took his last breath, the skies roared, and a storm rolled in, complete with a tornado warning—one last grand exit for a man who was never one to leave quietly.

Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Richard’s life and legacy. He will be laid to rest with military honors at Missouri Veterans Cemetery, on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. where we will gather to say our final goodbyes.

In this time of sorrow, we find comfort in the memories we shared with Richard and in the love he gave so freely. His kindness, humor, and steadfast presence will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.