Bill Gene Porter returned to his heavenly Father on April 17. He was born in Rock Springs, on Dec. 18, 1945, to Thorald and Kita Porter. Bill was a 1965 graduate of Evanston High School.
Bill married the love of his life, Linda Ellingford, on Nov. 18, 1966, at the Evanston LDS Stake Center. Bill and Linda were proud to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2016. Together they had three wonderful children who became their life and love.
Bill enjoyed working in various occupations including butcher, custodian, car-detailer and as an employee of the Machine Shop. His greatest purpose in life was providing for his family.
Bill was passionate about late model cars and the trumpet. During high school, Bill and his fellow trumpet players enjoyed playing “Reveille” during the raising of the flag each morning. Bill and his son, Justin, shared a love of remote-controlled cars, the Wyoming Cowboys and collecting model cars and trains.
They loved traveling to Wyoming games. Bill also enjoyed his daily “coffee meetings” with his friends at the diner and tried never to miss a day. Within the past year and a half, Bill was blessed to find a wonderful companion and friend in Shelley Lester, who remained by his side until the very end.
Bill’s greatest accomplishments were being a devoted husband and a father to his three children. He dedicated his life to the care of his children and the measure of his love stretched far beyond the journey most fathers travel. The depth of his strength, personal sacrifice and perseverance were limitless throughout numerous life challenges. He will forever remain a testament to the depth of a father’s devotion.
Bill will be missed, but we take tremendous comfort knowing that the reunion of all members of this family in heaven will bring peace and joy.
Bill is survived by his precious granddaughter, Macey Lutey; sibling, Wendy (Phil) Danielson; brother-in-law, Don Moore; sisters-in-law, Eileen Corneilson and Terry (Darrell) Porter; and beloved family pet, Danny.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Thorald and Kita Porter; wife, Linda Porter; daughter, Mellissa Porter; son, Mark Porter; son, Justin Porter; sister, Rita Moore; sister-in-law, Kathy Aaron; brother-in-law, Jack Corneilson; brother-in-law, Bill Aaron; and niece, Danielle Aaron.
Funeral services will be held in his honor at noon on Saturday, April 20, at Crandall Funeral Home. Visitation will begin one hour prior to services, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the Evanston City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in honor of Bill Porter at www.mda.org.
Condolences may be sent to www.crandallfhevanston.com.
