Robert L. Porter

A generous, outgoing personality, a great role model and a wonderful caretaker are just a few ways to describe Bob Porter. He loved his family and was always someone they could count on. In 1941, WSM-FM becomes the nation's first commercial radio station, WWII begins and on December 18,1941 Robert L. Porter is welcomed into the world by Olaf O. and Violet L. (Arney) Porter in Elnora,IN.

Childhood family vacations to Florida were always a special time that he would later share with his own family.Bob was a member of the class of 1959 at Elnora High School. He then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, stationed at both Fort Benning, GA and Alaska. After returning to Indiana in 1962, Bob met his only love Marcia K. Williams and they were married on September 12, 1964. Bob and Marcia welcomed two daughters, Julie K. in 1969 and Katina L. in 1973.

Bob never met a stranger, had a great sense of humor, and accomplished every goal he set. His greatest accomplishment was his family. Bob spent 11 years in the Indianapolis area working his way up through dealership management, then moved Terre Haute as General Sales Manager. He bought a GM dealership in Ligonier, IN in 1977, Bob Porter Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, where he became the largest truck dealer in the world in 1978. He sold the dealership in 1998, moving to Scottsdale, AZ and then to St. Augustine, FL for 14 years. He returned to Indiana, settling in Columbia City in late 2016.

Bob was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church, and was a member of both the American Legion and the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) for over 30 years.

When it came to hobbies it was cars, cars, cars! He was an avid car enthusiast who collected and restored a premier car collection of over 20 1960's muscle cars. After getting his NHRA license, he spent weekends drag racing his big block '68 Camaro. Bob's genuine spirit and personality will always be cherished in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Robert L. "Bob" Porter, age 76 of Columbia City, IN passed away at 10:51 am on Thursday July 26, 2018 at his residence. Survivors include his loving wife Marcia Porter of Columbia City; daughters Julie Porter of Los Angeles, CA and Katina Porter of Phoenix, AZ; sisters-in-law Pat Stump of Columbia City and Peggy Williams of Vincennes, IN; special nieces Jennifer (Scott) Gunder of Warsaw and Melissa (Michael) Sunsdahl of Carmel, IN; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Delores Ann Johnson.

Funeral services for Bob will be held on Monday July 30, 2018 at 3:00 pm with calling two hours prior to service at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. A graveside service will be held in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Odon, IN on September 7, 2018 at 2:00 pm. Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or Humane Society of Whitley County. Visit www.demoneygrimes.com to send the family an online condolence.