Thomas “Tommy” A Porter

Thomas A. “Tommy” Porter 95, of Loogootee went into eternal rest on August 16, 2021.

Tommy was born at his family home, which was in Rutherford Township, to the late Francis H. Porter and Lily Ruth Harbison Porter on February 21, 1926.

Tommy was a man of many adventures; when he was a kid he and his siblings rode horses, bikes, and liked to play with the Pike County neighbors; which was the Willis family. Tommy proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII; serving in General Patton’s Third Army and served as MP during the Nuremberg Trials. He was awarded; The EAME Theater Ribbon WWII, Bronze Stars Victory Medal WWII, and the Occupational Medal (Germany). Tommy served as Military Police Specialty # 677.

Upon Tommy’s return home in 1946 after the war, he began to date June Holt; and they were married in 1947. They had 2 children together; Thomas Hugh Porter, and Opha Faye Porter; and raised their niece as their own, Wilma Faye Taylor; after all that they also played a huge role in the lives of their grandchildren, and raising them.

Together they ran the Shady Nook Motel for several years in the late 1970’s. While Tommy also worked for Crane from which he retired from N.A.D. there in 1975. He also worked for Fisher’s Garage in Loogootee for a short time. Tommy loved his family and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for any of them. After his son Tommy Hugh retired, they went fishing together nearly every single day, or hunting, and even after his health began to fail his son rarely missed a day of stopping by the house to see his dad and made sure he called him at least twice a day, even after visiting; They were not only father and son but best friends.

Tommy loved children, and second to fishing and his fish fry’s with the “boys” his great-grand-daughters were the light of his life. He looked forward to their visits and telling them stories; He was always a man with a great story to tell. He liked looking at his grandson’s cars, and was always excited to see what kind of car or motor home his grandson would bring home next. He absolutely loved to make wine and take his latest and greatest to the Porter Reunion every summer.

Tommy is survived by; his son, Thomas Hugh Porter (Janet); grandson, James “Jim” Porter; granddaughter, Jennifer Wheeler; great-granddaughters, Meredith Wheeler and AubreyAnna Steiner; special niece, Wilma Terrell (Charles); son-in-law, Stanley Sims; siblings, Sylvester Porter (Helen), Ronald” Ronnie” Porter (Alice), Charlie Lee Porter (Brenda), Luvena Porter Hichman, and Faye Porter; and many nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Faith Beals (Bill).

Tommy was preceded in death by; his parents; wife, Gladdis June Porter; daughter, Opha Sims; siblings, Alvie Porter, Phillip Porter, and Louise Roach.

Floral deliveries may be made to Gill Funeral Home, 308 E. Walnut Street Washington, IN 47501,  Wednesday between the hours of 8:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. as there will be a private viewing for the family held there with a Celebration of Life held at a later date with burial and military honors. If you would like to leave an online condolence you may do so at www.fredrickandson.com.
 

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