In loving memory of

John Richard Porter
March 9, 1940 - July 16, 2012

John R. Porter, 72, of Maquoketa, Iowa, died on Monday, July 16, 2012, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, Iowa.

A celebration of John's life will be held at 11 A.M., Tuesday, July 24, 2012, from the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 P.M. on Monday, July 23, 2012 from the Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa, Iowa. Burial will be at the Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa, Iowa.

John Richard Porter was born on March 9, 1940 in Maquoketa, Iowa, to Charles and Glee (Dilley) Porter. He was a graduate of Maquoketa Community High School and a veteran of the Army where he was part of the special forces and a green beret. He married Shirley Ann Knight on October 30, 1965 in Mechanicsville, Iowa. She preceded him in death on June 5, 1976.

John had worked at KMAQ Radio in Maquoketa from 1966 to 1968. He then worked for the Iowa Department of Public Safety Communications Division from 1968 to 1972 and from 1972 to 1985 for the Iowa State Patrol Communications Division. He also owned the Photo Lab in Maquoketa from 1981 to 1989 and in 1985 went to work for the Iowa DOT until retiring in 2002.

John had been a member of the First Lutheran Church in Maquoketa and had served on the Jackson County Zoning Board from 1995 to 2001 and from 2001 to present was a member of the Jackson County Zoning Commission.

John enjoyed antiques, amateur radio, computers, photography, boating and fishing.

John is survived by daughters, Terri Baldwin-Welch of Roanoke, VA, and Debra (Dean) Rebal of Solon, IA; a brother-in-law, Curtis Buck of Davenport, IA; 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a grandchild, a brother, George, and a sister, Jenevieve Buck.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a John R. Porter memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Tributes

Kim Snook wrote on Jul 24, 2012:

" My deepest sympathy to John's daughters and their families. I worked with John at the DOT for many years and he was one of the best!! "

Lynda Flagel Gustavus wrote on Jul 23, 2012:

"Your presence won't ever fade. John was a very giving person to those around him. Whether it was a word, a smile, advice or a suggestion and even a great discussion, he was a man of integrity. I have fond memories of photography and antiques. To his family, hold on to the memories of him. I hope that will carry you through these days and months ahead of you. Praying for peace and comfort knowing he is rejoicing in heaven and smiling down on each of you. "

Dave Moore wrote on Jul 23, 2012:

"John Porter was one of the good guys. He gave unconditional friendship to all who reached out to him. Many fond memories of John as we grew up together in Maquoketa thru grade school and beyond. John will be missed but never forgotten. John, keep a light on for us. "

Don Davison wrote on Jul 23, 2012:

"I first met John via amateur radio, maybe 30 yrs ago. John was always ready to talk about amateur radio, guns, army adventures, and just chew the fat. John always seemed ready to help others, but kept to himself and didn't want to be "behold'n" to anyone. A great friend, and he will not be forgotten. Thank you for your service to America John and "welcome home ol' horse"."

Wally Wright wrote on Jul 23, 2012:

"John and I were pals in high school and I know we would be pals to this day had I not ventured off to the big city. There was more than a bit of a rebel in him coupled with a wonderful sense of humor. I always looked forward to seeing John at our MHS reunions. RIP John."

Curtis F. Buck wrote on Jul 22, 2012:

"John Porter was my brother-in-law for over 50 years. I was married to his sister, Jenevieve, until her death on March 10th, 2009, May She Rest in Peace. I remember John and I spent many times fishing in the Maquoketa River as well as in other areas. Due to my my health concerns, I will not be able to attend his Services. I send my heartfelt sympathy to John's Daughters and their Families."

Charles E. Tatum wrote on Jul 22, 2012:

"My cousin John and I have known each other since the early 50'. We have known John to be an energetic, interested and talented man. He had just been visiting us here in Munich, Germany in June. We knew he was not well, but he enjoyed his travels here and it was with deep shock and sadness to learn of Johns sudden passing. We will miss him very much and the good times we had together over the many years. We very sad. Charles and Nana Tatum and family"

Kimberly Beaudet wrote on Jul 22, 2012:

"My Grandfather was larger than life. He pushed me with everything. He always had something to say and you always listened. He believed in me, my poetry, and my schooling. He was the greatest and I will miss all his emails and phone calls so much. I hope you found peace and are happy Grandfather John, I miss you so very much. I love you. "

Dale Sanders wrote on Jul 21, 2012:

"Although it has been many many years since I last saw John, seeing this memorial brings back memories from when we worked together at Iowa Police Radio. It seems like only yesterday when we were in that little radio station. John was a good boss and friend. John and his family will be in our prayers. Rest in peace. "

carol dolgins wrote on Jul 21, 2012:

"I look at this picture and still can't believe he's passed on. John WAS Maquoketa! I've known him for well over 60 years and he was always fun, aways laughing, good at telling stories (ahem -- sometimes I heard them so many times I thought we should just number them and go forth)! He was a brilliant intellect, loyal to a fault, sensitive to everyone's needs and hurts. He loved life and loved his friends and most importantly, he lived his life to the fullest. I will always treasure the times we had and the wonderful memories I had of him and I can truthfuy say I will never forget him. He was a great man and he walked tall!!!"

Georgia Robinson wrote on Jul 21, 2012:

"So many memories, too many to write here. John shared stories, deep caring and laughter. Gave much of himself to his friends, met needs he sensed before they were spoken and appreciated friendship that came back to him. As for me - I tutored him on spelling lists in 7th grade (years later he thought spell check was better than sliced bread). He was in our wedding. Craig was a pall bearer when he lost Shirley; he did the same for my mom and for Craig. My kids have so many childhood memories made at John's. My heart goes out to John's family and many friends. I count him as one of my dearest and closest and I will miss him so very much. Bigger than life, John was one of those men who is supposed to live forever. RIP, John - you are missed already and always will be."

Cory Robinson wrote on Jul 21, 2012:

"John Richard Porter, what can be said. Truly one of a kind. Thank you for all the memories and stories when I was growing up. You helped mold me into what I am today. Debbie and Terry, my deepest sympathies. May John rest in peace."

Craig Davis wrote on Jul 20, 2012:

"Debbie, Sorry to hear about your dad. Hope you and your family are doing o.k. My thoughts and prayers go out to you."

Bill Hurst wrote on Jul 20, 2012:

"Lifelong Friend, you will be missed. Rest in Peace."

Steve and Kathy Klocke wrote on Jul 19, 2012:

"Our sympathy to the family. What a gentle and caring man. He will be missed."

Jerry Matthews wrote on Jul 19, 2012:

"My heart filled condolences to John's family & friends. John, I & others talked via Amateur Radio whenever we could. Our visits were always filled with memories and of course stories. They always ended with me being a little wiser and lot more cheerful. A man that I will deeply and sadly miss. 73 John."

Sandra Blossfeld Watt wrote on Jul 19, 2012:

"There is no reason to return to Maquoketa if John is not there. He was a very dear friend & is deeply & sadly missed."

Mark Campbell wrote on Jul 19, 2012:

"I will miss our Wednesday morning QSOs on 80 meters. We enjoyed sharing stories of our capers at Iowa Police Radio. 73 John"

Lynette Leopold wrote on Jul 19, 2012:

"My sincere condolences to John's family and friends. We loved his stories and poetry :) at the DOT. He could make anyone laugh for hours. They don't make them better than JRP. May he rest in peace."

Judy Bowling wrote on Jul 18, 2012:

"Debbie, Terry and family John and I go back to the Class of 1959 at Maquoketa High School. We have been friends ever since then. We have had many fun times together and shared many stories, which if you knew John you heard a lot of stories and not always sure if it was true or made up, but always believable. We enjoyed going out to eat or just getting together to visit. John always enjoyed fireworks so several years we went different place to watch them. John is going to be missed by many, especially myself. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time."

John & Judy Stein wrote on Jul 18, 2012:

"John was a great friend & a trusted teammate who was always willng to share a greeting or a funny story. I will miss him greatly. May God bless his soul, and love him as we did.."

Chris Nissen wrote on Jul 18, 2012:

"John first became know to me back in 1982 when I started working with my father and Bob Caven. Over the next 30 yrs John and I had many dealings and he was a very kind, thoughtful,patient and intellligent man who had my respect and friendship. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family and loved one's.. . "