John Porter

John R. Porter, 66, Topeka, passed away on March 14, 2008. He was born on September 28, 1941 in Perry, Kansas, the son of Francis and Clara (Hiner) Porter. He was the brother of Lola (Bill) Plank, Los Angeles; Marvin Porter, Topeka; Ralph (Sharon Gail) Porter, Perry; and Wilma (Dale) Casto, Topeka. He was preceded in death by his sisters: Mildred Reese, Marilyn Weeks and Myrna Porter; his brother Everett Wayne Porter; and his parents. John was a graduate of Perry Rural High School. He retired from Santa Fe Railway after working 35 years. He was a member of the Perry Masonic Lodge #415, the Scottish Rite, and the Topeka Arab Shrine where John served as Potentate in 2000. He was also a member of the Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church.

John married Sharon K. Leonard in 1961 at the Perry United Methodist Church. She survives. He is also survived by three children and their spouses: John R. II "J.R." and Kathy Porter, Perry; Ginger S. and Scott Reynolds, Peoria, IL; and Audra K. and Bruce (Jr.) Silkey, Tecumseh; and seven grand-daughters: Alexandra, Jessica and Olivia Porter; Ellen and Grace Reynolds; and Whitney and Mallory Silkey.

Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19 at Susanna Wesley United Methodist Church. Burial will immediately follow in the Oakridge Cemetery, Perry. Friends may call on the family on Tuesday, March 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel. Memorial contributions may be given to the Arab Shrine Travel Fund, 1305 Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66612, or Midland Hospice, 220 SW Frazier Court, Topeka, KS 66606. To leave a message for the family on-line, please visit www.PenwellGabel.com.