Goodbye to Papa

Chip's grandfather Joe Porter passed away February 25, 2012. He was 95. He was an amazing person. I feel lucky to have known him for 18 years, and to have been able to be in the same city with him for 10 years. It is wonderful that Chace and Paige got to see such a great example of a person as they grow old. He was always excited to see them and wanted to be a part of their lives as much as possible. It was simply and honor to know him and we miss him greatly!

Papa's 95th birthday last December

Joe was born in Detroit, Michigan, on December 1, 1916, and was the son of Talmadge Newton and Mabel Wottring Porter. He grew up in Marion, Ohio, and was a graduate from Marion High School. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Rachael K. Bean, whom he married on April 2, 1942. They were married 57 years until her death in 1999. Joe served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. After completing Officer Candidate School, Joe was stationed in England and was part of the European Invasion Force, landing on Utah Beach in 1944, on D Day plus twenty. Following the war, he completed his education and graduated from the Ohio State University with a BS in Education. He taught Distributive Education for many years at both Central and West High Schools and finally retired from the Columbus Public School System in 1977. He and Rachael were long-time members of the Columbus Unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International, and they traveled extensively with their Airstream trailer over the years. Joe served this organization as its treasurer. Joe and Rachael were members of Overbrook Presbyterian Church for many years and Joe served his God and his church as both a Deacon and an Elder.