Richard Porter, Jr.

Services for Mr. Richard Porter, Jr., 86, of Marshall are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 25, 2017 at the Cpt. Wm. Perry Chapel of Haggard Funeral Home in Jefferson, Texas with Don Duffee officiating, during which Mr. Porter’s favorite song, “The Great Speckled Bird” by Roy Acuff will be played. A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home immediately following the service.  A Private family entombment will be held at Colonial Gardens Cemetery where Larry Fowler of Brenham, Texas will play “Amazing Grace” on the bagpipes.

A beloved husband, daddy, and friend; Richard went to be with his Lord on Monday, November 20, 2017.  He was born August 21, 1931 in Marshall, Texas to Richard Porter, Sr. and Jessie Cowan Porter.  Richard graduated from Marshall High School in 1948.  Upon graduation he joined the Air Force serving his country honorably during the Korean War and was discharged in 1952.  Mr. Porter and his wife Nona were married on May 24, 1957 in Marshall and they were married for sixty years.  To the end, they loved and cared for one another unconditionally.  He was employed for two years with the T&P Shops before going on to work for the Texas Highway Department.  He then spent thirty one years working for the Knox Lee Power Plant SWEPCO – AEP before retiring in 1991.  Richard was both a charter member and current member of Central Baptist Church but attended Immanuel Baptist Church.  He was a dedicated Christian who loved the Lord, Jesus Christ.  Richard will always be regarded as a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and brother.  He was a loyal and generous friend and a storyteller par excellence.  He will always be remembered for his contagious laugh and optimistic outlook on life.  Richard was a compassionate man who was always willing to help others.  From tilling his daffodil gardens, to strolling through pastures, to watching sunsets; Richard was happiest when outdoors.  He never met a stranger and is loved by all who crossed his path.

Mr. Porter was preceded in death by his parents.

Richard loved his family, especially his four grandsons and granddaughter; Alex Daniel Gifford (USMC) and wife Brittany with soon to be great grandson of San Clemente, California, Ryan Porter Wright, Jack Lucas Wright, Nickolas Walker Wright all of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Maddie Oulevey of Uganda.  They were his pride and joy.  The remaining family left to cherish his memory are his wife, Nona Harris Porter; son, Raymond Porter of Columbus, Mississippi; daughters, Patti Elizabeth Oulevey and husband Pierre of Arnoldsville, Georgia, Susan Alane Wright and husband Ron of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Donna Frances Porter Hanes of Dallas, Texas; sister, Emma Lou Porter Tampke of Metairie, Louisiana; nephew, Scott Tampke of Leawood, Kansas; and a niece, Julie Brink of Louisville, Kentucky.

It was Richard’s compassionate nature and love for his fellow man that will be missed the most.  He was quick to offer a kind word or a helping hand to everyone and had a unique ability to find the best in each of us.  He will be missed by all who loved and knew him but we rejoice in the promise of his eternal life.  To our entire extended family and friends we thank you for the love, prayers, and many acts of kindness that has been shown to our family during this very difficult time.  Your sympathy and thoughtfulness are greatly appreciated.  The Porter family wishes to thank:  Dr. Larry Frase, Dr. V Nguyen Pham, Dr. J. Hodges, and Dr. Lewis Browne for their compassion, commitment, and wonderful care and support during Richard’s recent illness and for using their God given talents to help him.  All of their professionalism is second to none.  We would also like to thank Alva Smith, Frances Buford and Netta Hall Griffin for graciously giving their time when they were called to help with Richard.  A special thanks to Marshall Home Health and Hospice and their kind, caring personnel; especially the nurses: Sue Perkins, Vanessa Wade and Paula Kirby.

Honorary pallbearers are his grandsons, his good friends: Henry (Red) Harris, Dick Woods, Gerald Jackson, Ty Henigan, Mike Hallum, Gary and Gregg Hudson, fellow employees of Knox Lee Power Plant, the morning coffee group at Whataburger on Hwy 59 S., and many other friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Republican Party.  Soon 2018 will be upon us.  Let’s keep this in mind and keep Texas RED!  Please remember what the GOP stands for; CHRISTIAN CONSERVATIVE VALUES.

2 Timothy 4:7 – “I fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”