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PORTER, JAMES LEROY

Transcribed by Bessie Meredith

BORN: JANUARY 18, 1916
DIED: OCTOBER 6, 2002

James LeRoy Porter, 86, passed away peacefully Sunday morning October 6, 2002 at his new residence, Tarrytowne Estates, 1815 Enclave Parkway, Houston, Texas 77077.

LeRoy was born January 18, 1916, in Fort Towson, Oklahoma. He was the first child of Arthur and Mable Porter. LeRoy’s loving and dedicated wife Melba and his Jack Russell terrier Gracie were at his side at the time of death.

LeRoy grew up in Diboll, Texas and spent most of his young adult life after World War II as an owner and operator of A. Porter & Sons, a Humble Oil distributor.

After selling the business, he completed his career as an Operator Engineer with Monsanto Company in Texas City. Following his retirement he made a home in Keltys, Texas.

During World War II, LeRoy served his country in industry and at arms.

He was a superintendent in Todd Shipyard and later he served as a staff assistant to Gen. James A. Van Fleet, Commander First Army, who later became supreme commander of U.S. troops in the Korean Conflict.

He was decorated for meritorious service by General Van Fleet.

LeRoy was a fortunate and happy man.

He was to two wonderful and devoted wives. Willie Delle Nelson, of Lufkin, was his bride of 19 years of age. They were separated in December if 1980 when Willie Delle lost her battle with breast cancer.

God guided him to another wonderful wife and partner, Melba Johnson Porter of Diboll. Melba was the widow of George “Rat” Johnson, an old family friend and a fine man. Mr. Johnson also succumbed to cancer in 1971.

LeRoy and Melba’s marriage of 21 years has been golden, a blessing and a delight to his friends and family.

LeRoy is survived by one Brother Gerald Clemmet Porter of Diboll, a sister Faye Wright of The Woodlands, Texas, a son Larry and wife Jan of Houston and a son, Jim and wife Sue of Conroe, Texas.

He has four grandchildren, Grace, Porter and Thomas Edwards and Ashton Grace Teichman. Two brothers and two sisters, Choc and Richard, and Jean Marie and Emma Lou preceded him in death. There are numerous nieces and nephews.

LeRoy was a life long Mason having received his 50 year certificate two years ago from Burke Lodge.

Although a life long Baptist, in later years LeRoy became a member of the Keltys Methodist Church.

During his long productive life, he served in many local civic organizations and was a member of the Lions Club and Diboll Booster Club.

He was elected and served on the Diboll School Board. During his retirement years in Keltys, he was a frequent and faithful visitor at local nursing homes in Diboll and Lufkin.

He never forgot seniors left alone.

In Lieu of flowers, LeRoy would be honored by donations to one of his favorite charities, Masonic Home & School of Texas, P.O. Box 15040, Fort Worth, Texas 76119.

This home has been in existence for 100 years and houses orphaned children and children from indigent families.

The children range in age from 4 to 18 years old.

A memorial service will be held in the Elwin M. Gibson Chapel in the Garden of Memories Cemetery Saturday, October 12 at 11 a.m. Reverend Buster Grigg will officiate by a Masonic ritual.