Lewis Lee Porter, 87, a resident of San Angelo, Texas, and beloved family member, received his Heavenly reward on Monday, September 29th. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his kindness, sense of humor, and willingness to play any game set up at the table.
Family at the Center
Born September 18, 1938, in Kingsville, Texas, he was the son of two dedicated educators, Harry Brown Porter and Eva Grace Ewing Porter. He is now reunited with them as well as his brothers, Harry Porter, Jr. and Robert Porter, sisters Marcella Porter, Linda Lynd, and Harriet Stevens, and brothers-in-law Bill Stevens and Chester Lynd.
He is survived by a family who cherished him and have many funny stories to tell: brother, David Porter, two sisters-in-law, Lillian Porter and Dena Porter, several cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews on whom he made a lasting and loving impression. He never sought to be the center of attention, but his home was central to family gatherings large and small for many years. If those walls could talk, oh the memories they would share!
An Education in Hard Work
Lewis attended schools in Barnhart and Robert Lee, Texas, and then went on to San Angelo College and Abilene Christian College.
His early lessons in hard work, though, came from his parents and working with his grandfather, Robert Ewing, during the summers to build Churches of Christ throughout Central Texas. He had many stories to tell about working alongside his grandfather, and it was clear that was a favorite and formative time in his life.
After his high school graduation and prior to college, he worked at the Texas Highway Department at Barnhart. He attended a few years of college and was then drafted into the Army in 1963. As a conscientious objector, Lewis served as electrocardiograph tech at Fort Bliss, El Paso, until his honorable discharge in 1965. Though his values would not allow him to step onto the battlefield, he was still very proud to serve his country.
Following his service, he moved to Abilene and worked at Easter Machine Shop as a quality control inspector, and enjoyed living near his sister Linda and her family. He moved to his adopted hometown of San Angelo in 1972, working for Pool Company, a leading oil field equipment manufacturing and service company, in the drafting department. His brother Robert also worked at Pool Company and the move to San Angelo allowed him to be near his parents and Robert’s family. His final career move was working again with his brother Robert as a machinist at Aeromoter Windmill Company, until his retirement.
A Loving and Dedicated Son
Lewis deeply admired his parents and was thankful for every opportunity they gave him. And when his father passed away in 1988, he moved in with his mother and cared for her on behalf of the family until her death in 1990.
As a child of God, Lewis put great emphasis on his faith. A longtime member of Southgate Church of Christ, he was a diligent attendee and served by passing out communion and counting contributions. He attended up until the time his health would not allow it.
Always the Supportive Brother and Cool Uncle
For Lewis, family was at the heart of everything. From moving to be near family to moving in to care for his mother after his father passed, he took his family responsibilities very seriously. He also helped with numerous home improvement projects and remodels over the years at family houses, and homes were more beautiful and meaningful because of him.
To his nieces and nephews, “Uncle Lewis” was a perpetual storyteller, an instigator of games, and always happy to give you a ride in his beloved Camaro. He learned to play 42 and dominoes at an early age from his Grandpa Ewing, but grew to love games of all kinds, and passed on that love and knowledge to the next generations. Each and every one of them have wonderful memories of sitting around his game table—though it’s still unclear if all of his “rules” were accurate!
Those who happily and fondly called him “Uncle Lewis” include: Tim and Marlene Stevens and families, Michael and Debora Stevens and families, Kelley and Dustin Glidewell and family, Jamie and Johnny Porras and families, Ty and Randi Porter and family, Coby Lynd and families, Lori Lynd Forbes and family, Veronica Lynd and family, and Curtis Lynd and family, Robert Cody Porter, and Kristi DeAnn Porter.
Upcoming Service and Lasting Legacy
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 4th at 1:00 pm at Cleburne Memorial Park Cemetery in Cleburne, Texas. The family also invites anyone to share their memories and stories on the funeral home website: www.harper-funeralhome.com.
And to continue the Porter legacy of investing in education, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to San Angelo Christian Academy. This school is on the campus of his church and it’s also where his brother David retired from and his sister-in-law Dena still works.
Donations can be made online or by check, and will provide a Christ-centered education that fosters excellence and God-given talents. www.sanangelochristianacademy.org
Thank you for being a part of Lewis’ life and helping us keep his memory alive!
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