Russell Leon Porter, beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Friday, September 28, 2018, in Holladay, Utah after a courageous fight with Leukemia. Born May 11, 1935, in Long Beach, California to Russell Porter Sr. and Vera Bocker Porter. Russ was the oldest of 3 children.
He took the responsibility of the oldest sibling to heart and passed on the opportunity to finish college and play professional baseball to help raise his sister, Nancy, and brother, Jimmy. Russell and his family left Long Beach and moved to Holladay, Utah at the age of 9 years old. Russ attended South High where he excelled in baseball playing along side his best friend, Ross Burton.
After he graduated high school, he went on to join the Army and became a Master Sargent serving the country he loved so dearly. When he turned 21, he took a leave from the Army to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Great Lakes Mission. He was so obedient and loyal to this calling that he extended his mission an additional 3 months to help paint the church in his last area.
Serving in this capacity was one of his greatest accomplishments. After returning home from his mission, he met the love of his life, Lorna Millard Porter at a fireside. They had an instant connection and married on June 6, 1966 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.
Soon after, they welcomed 5 children and have since added 13 grand children, 1 angel grandson, his namesake (Knox Leon), and 6 great grand children. As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Russ had a deep and abiding love for His Savior Jesus Christ. He and Lorna served multiple missions together including Alberta, Canada and 12 years in the Salt Lake City mission.
Russ and Lorna attended the temple regularly to do temple work for their own family names. Russ found great joy in that service and touched many lives. We look forward to the day when we will be reunited with him again.
Russell was as loyal as they come. He worked for Utah Power and Light as a foreman for 42 years however, you would often find him after hours tossing a baseball around with his sons, working on jump shots, doing homework, or donating his time and talents to others by painting, performing electrical work, or any other acts of service. He was a man who loved to serve, but always behind the scenes, never expecting recognition or anything in return.
He will be remembered as a man who was “all in” and the greatest friend anyone could ask for. He had an acute business mind and always thought outside the box. His family was his greatest love.
He was the kind of father that would never miss a practice or a game, often sacrificing his own needs for his family, and he never stopped believing in his kids reaching their true potential. He was the kind of husband who cherished his beautiful bride above all else. He showed his devotion by small acts of kindness that range from opening her door, tinting her hair, painting her toe nails, and holding hands during any prayer—followed by a kiss.
We can honor Russell’s legacy by dedicating our lives to our Heavenly Father, serving others, appreciating and loving the freedoms we enjoy in this great country, and loving and honoring our families. Russell is survived by his eternal companion, Lorna, children: Sue (Rowland) Lantz, Ephraim, UT, Russell Porter, Holladay, UT, Ann (Larry) Dixon, LongView, TX, Michael Porter, Holladay, UT, Jonathan (Ashley) Porter, Bluffdale, UT. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 4, 2018 at 11AM in the Cottonwood 1st Ward, 5913 So Highland Drive.
Viewings will be held on Wednesday from 6-8pm and Thursday, 9:30-10:30am prior to service. BOTH at the Ward. Burial will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery with full Military Honors.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
