Tom Porter

Thomas F. Porter age 88 of Ottawa, Kansas, died Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at Richmond Care Center in Richmond, KS. He was born on Thursday, December 14, 1922 in Ottawa, KS, the son of Charles and Katherine (Shiras) Porter. He was a lifelong Ottawa resident. Tom graduated from Ottawa High School with the class of 1940, attended his freshman year at Ottawa University, and graduated from the University of Kansas in 1944 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. He owned and operated Porter-Spears Insurance Agency in Ottawa since the late 1940’s. Tom served in the United States Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater as a Navy Frogman, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church, a Life Member of Ottawa Lodge #803, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; was Past President of the Ottawa Country Club and a Life Member of the Franklin County Historical Society, On Tuesday, January 29, 1946, Tom was united in marriage with Mildred L. “Mickey” Mages at Boston, Massachusetts. She preceded him in death on January 2, 2011. He is survived by his: Son - Charlie Porter and his wife, Margy, of Ottawa, Kansas; Daughter – Donna Saylor, and her husband, Kent of Sabetha, Kansas; Daughter, Diann Prentice and her husband, Bruce of Ottawa, Kansas; Daughter, Patricia Little and her companion, Charles Anderson of Las Vegas, Nevada; Grandchildren (13) – Amy Mitchell, Beth Cole, Catherine Saylor, Denise Saylor, Benjamin Prentice, Andrew Prentice, Kevin Prentice, Billy Love, Carol Schilingo, Amie Love, Anne O’Dea, Sarah Porter, Caroline Mayfield and Twelve Great Grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his: Wife – Mildred ‘”Mickey” Porter; Parents – Charles and Katherine Porter; Sister – Peg Averill and Sister – Kay Flora SERVICES: A Funeral Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Church in Ottawa at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2011. IN STATE: Friends may pay their respects to Mr. Porter from 9:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Dengel & Son Mortuary, where a Rosary will be said at 6:30 Tuesday evening, followed by a family visitation from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. His casket will remain closed. CEMETERY: Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Ottawa, Kansas. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorial contributions to Sacred Heart Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.