Richard L. Porter (Deceased), Odessa, TX Texas last lived in Rockwall, TX USA

In Memory

Richard L. Porter

RICHARD L. PORTER, OHS 1958

(b 1-23-1940 - - d 12-23-2020)

To view Video of Richard's Memorial:
(1) CLICK ==> RICHARD PORTER SERVICE
(2) SELECT: WATCH YOUR SERVICE
(3) EVENT ID IS: RESTHAVENROCKWALL

(4) PASSWORD IS: NBYHKQ

Richard Louis Porter, 80, a 28-year resident of Rockwall, Texas, passed away on December 23, 2020. Richard was born January 23, 1940, the third son to Robert Percival Porter and Nettie Lillian (Thames) Porter in Pampa, Texas. Because his father was away in the South Seas during most of WWII while Richard was an infant, Richard’s “Uncle Alvin” McElrath became a beloved father figure in his life.

Richard leaves behind two brothers, Robert B. “Bob” Porter and Gary L. “Bud” Porter, both of San Angelo, TX, and one sister, Jacklyn “Jackie” Porter Antweiler of Evergreen, CO, who preceded Richard in death. Richard also has a half-sister, Jeudi Lee of Arlington, and a half-brother, Hugh “Andy” Porter of Grand Isle, LA.

Richard attended grade school in Pampa and Big Spring, TX, and junior high and high school (Class of 1958) in Odessa, TX. In his ninth-grade year, he attended Bend (Oregon) High School while living with his loving grandparents, Hugh and Earl Porter.

Richard taught himself to play the guitar as a youngster. At Odessa High School, he organized a rock ’n’ roll garage band called The Poor Boys. They played a variety of venues in Odessa and the surrounding areas during the mid-to-late 1950s.

He joined the Naval Reserve at age 17 and served six years. Richard attended Southern Methodist University on a football scholarship but left in 1960 after two years to go on active duty in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served our country for two years before he was honorably discharged as a yeoman third class in 1962.

While on active duty, Richard met the love of his life, Elizabeth “Liz” Bentley at Avondale Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL, where they were married on December 22, 1962. They were blissfully married for 58 years.

They had three children, Leslie Porter Wilson, married to Bret; Brian Porter, married to Claudia; and Carol (aka Tiger) Porter.

In addition to their biological children, Richard unofficially “adopted” Larry Warner, who preceded Richard in death, Warner Bouzek, Rebecca Bartel Farrow and Shawn DeMoss, as well as dear Cuban friends, many of whom became more like family.

While in Dallas, Richard returned to SMU to finish his undergraduate degree (BBA, 1966). Following that, he attended the School of Law at the University of Florida where he graduated in 1969. He was a member of the Florida Bar and the Bar Association of the District of Columbia. Hired by West Publishing Company after law school, he set numerous records during his nearly-25 years as a sales representative.

Richard’s work at West Publishing took the family to Tennessee, Georgia, Texas, and Colorado. They lived 17 years atop “Porter’s Perch” in Evergreen, CO, where they made many lifelong friends.

After the birth of their first grandchild, Richard and Liz moved back to Texas. His grandchildren brought him much delight, and he followed their every move from sports to music to acting/modeling to academics. Those grandkids are now grown: Charlie Wilson is married to Lindsy, and they have two daughters, Ellie and Lucy; Molly Hatley is married to Chris; and, Reese Wilson is married to Brittany.

Richard and Liz lived for many years in a beautiful home in Chandler’s Landing in Rockwall, TX. They took advantage of lakeside living and, through the years, they hosted many Sunday school parties and family get-togethers. An active member of First Baptist Church of Rockwall, Richard loved his Sunday school class and the preaching.

Though he retired from West Publishing Company in 1993, he kept extremely active. The Porters had a love for the people of Cuba. For more than 25 years, Richard and Liz made dozens of mission and humanitarian trips, where he helped support the First Baptist Church of Santa Clara and the seminary there.

In addition to their mission work, Richard and Liz traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and over 105 countries on six continents. The couple frequented their condos in Evergreen, CO, and Branson, MO, and happily shared them with family and friends. Richard had an affinity for road trips—and during 2020, he made at least five of them, including the Winter Dance Party in Clear Lake, IA, in February and a trip to the Oregon coast in August with Liz and their three children. The Porters used their extensive travels as opportunities to connect and reconnect with family and friends who lived in various parts of the U.S. and the world.

Speaking of driving, Richard was very proud of the fact that he got his hardship license at age 14! He jokingly warned the family that he wouldn’t want to be the one to take away his keys..., so his family decided that, if push came to shove, his car might just happen to disappear one day instead.

One of his favorite things was bringing people together—and he didn’t mind an audience. He was known for many pickin’ and grinnin’ sessions at family reunions, parties, and even Bible study. Most every gathering involved Richard’s guitar playing and singing. He wouldn't take no for an answer if he asked a guest to accompany him in a duet.

Richard made his profession of faith at age 12 in Big Spring, TX. He was a man of great faith, which he lived out day by day with his kindness and generosity. He never met a stranger—literally. If he didn’t know the person in line behind him at the post office, he would strike up a conversation, ensuring that they were fast friends by the time they reached the counter.

If you ever needed a guitar pick or a Swiss Army knife, Richard had one in his pocket. He usually carried a little change as well, which came in handy for his trick of making a dime disappear. Many of you are familiar with his “fruitcake for people who didn’t like fruitcake” or one of his other recipes that started with “Richard Porter’s World Famous….”

To say that Richard will be missed sounds so cliché. It would be impossible to replace a man of such character, a man so full of life. His family knows that Richard will be separated for only a short period of time from his loving family, which includes many in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Richard is now with Jesus—and is no longer suffering from the Covid that had attacked his body so swiftly. We are heartbroken over this loss, but we rejoice in the knowledge and hope that we will see him again one day. Until then, Richard—and as you were also known, Dad, Granddad and Uncle Jug—please say hello to your family members, bandmates and dear friends who preceded you in death.

As we close, Richard would definitely want us to remind you, “Don’t be late for church.”

Memorial services and a graveside ceremony are scheduled for Saturday, May 22, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home, 2500 Hwy 66 East, Rockwall, TX, 75032, with a celebration of Richard’s life to follow at their daughter’s Rockwall home.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers would you kindly consider making a donation to the Cuba ministry they loved so much. We are so grateful to those of you who have chosen to do this already.

Please go to the First Baptist Church of Rockwall website or click this link: (https://pushpay.com/g/firstrockwall?src=hpp).
- Click "Give One Time"
- Select "Miscellaneous--Specify in Memo" from the drop-down menu
- Use “In Memory of Richard Porter’s Cuba Ministry.” in the memo space.
You may send a check or donate online 100% of your donations will benefit the Cuba mission Richard Porter worked on a supported for so many years. Thank you, and God bless!

The service will also be live-streamed; please go to www.oneroomstreaming.comand click on the "watch your service" icon and use Event ID: resthavenrockwall and password: NBYHKQ

Richard L. Porter,OHS 1958
(b 1-23-1940 - - d 12-23-2020)

Sad News from Richard L. Porter’s daughter (Leslie Porter Wilson) of Richard’s Passing last night (12-23-20)

12/24/20: "This morning, we are filled with both tremendous sorrow and indescribable peace and joy. Dad flew headlong into the arms of Jesus last night around 10:30 p.m. last night, December 23, only a few minutes after a phone call with Mom, Carol, and me, in which we were able to share our love for him and our joy that he would no longer suffer on this earth. God is good.

Given the quick timing following the call, we cannot help but think that he heard our words and understood that we were releasing him from the pain he was experiencing. God is faithful.

In the meantime, please pray for healing for our family, as we will certainly do the same for you—our faithful prayer warriors. Though our hearts are grieving, we fully trust in the sovereignty of God.

As a family, we have decided that we would be most blessed if, in lieu of flowers or other gifts, you would donate to the Cuba mission that is such a big part of Mom and Dad’s lives. For more than 20 years, Dad visited Santa Clara, Cuba, approximately twice a year. He worked closely with the seminary and the First Baptist Church of Santa Clara there, helping supplement salaries of the pastoral staff, house, feed, train, and educate students and professors at the seminary, build and repair their church building, and provide financial aid to the very poor members of the congregation and city.

If you would like to join in this tribute to Dad and his passionate mission work, please make a donation to FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ROCKWALL and note “CUBA MISSIONS.” 100% of your donations will benefit the Cuba mission Richard Porter worked on a supported for so many years. Thank you, and God bless!

And, once again, thank you for praying fervently and faithfully on our behalf. What a blessing you have been!”

Leslie & the Porter family

To access Richard's Cuba Trips Click Link Below. http://www.ohs58.net/member_survey_form.cfm?SurveyID=15966

UPDATE: 12/24:

This morning, we are filled with both tremendous sorrow and indescribable peace and joy. Dad flew headlong into the arms of Jesus last night around 10:30 p.m. last night, December 23, only a few minutes after a phone call with Mom, Carol, and me, in which we were able to share our love for him and our joy that he would no longer suffer on this earth. God is good.

Given the quick timing following the call, we cannot help but think that he heard our words and understood that we were releasing him from the pain he was experiencing. God is faithful.

And, once again, thank you for praying fervently and faithfully on our behalf. What a blessing you have been!

Leslie & the Porter family

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UPDATE 12/23:

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your faithful prayers. They were able to pull off 4 liters of fluid today through the slower dialysis. We pray continued success in that area.

Dad did have some struggles with his blood pressure during the night. They had to add a couple of different medications to get it under control, but he is stable now. Unfortunately, each of these episodes and the subsequent setbacks take a toll on his heart, lungs, kidneys, and other systems. Also, Dad’s oxygen ratio is dropping. We need that—and the other issues—to turn around and rally.

With each passing day, we realize that Dad’s chances of a normal life post-Covid become less and less. We ask for wisdom in making decisions. We ask your continued prayer for complete healing, as God wills.

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UPDATE 12/22:

Today is Mom & Dad's 58th wedding anniversary. Pray for Mom as Dad's nurse will set up a call between her and Dad today between 1-2 p.m. Though it's a hard day in some ways, we rejoice for their faithful, faith-filled, long-lasting union.

My dad’s nurse yesterday, today, and tomorrow is named Nick. (OK, I’m sorry, but I have to say that’s kind of appropriate during Christmas week. I’ve taken to calling him Saint Nick.) Anyway, Nick said they are seeing some improvement.

They started Dad back on tube feeding yesterday, and he’s tolerating it very well. Ventilator is only providing 50% of his oxygen (down from 60% yesterday). They will do dialysis this afternoon for the third day in a row. His potassium level is trending down, which is a good thing.

Y’all, these are some excellent trends, much needed. We pray they would continue in that direction and that Dad would get stronger every day.

Please pray that:

Richard would continue to tolerate tube feeding, so he can regain strength.

Slower/longer dialysis yields at least 2 liters.

His potassium level would continue to decrease.

Our family would feel the Lord’s presence this Christmas.

And join us in these praises!

Praise that he is on a pill form for his heart medication. Pray that would continue to be the case.

Praise that he is down to only one blood pressure medication. Pray that would continue.

Praise that they have been able to keep his BP under control with tube feeding. Pray that would continue.

Praise that he had no additional heart episodes last night or this morning. Pray that would continue.

Our family could not travel this journey without your faithful prayers. We are all tired, more from grief and uncertainty than lack of sleep (although that is certainly the case some nights). But we feel strengthened and buoyed by your prayers and encouragement. Thank you, and bless you for continuing to pray.

We love you so much, and pray that Jesus would be made real to you and you would feel His presence this Christmas!

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UPDATE 12/21:

Not much change today. Even if we don’t have much to report, we still need your prayers every day.

Please pray for Dad’s lungs to improve. We need a clear reading on the chest x-ray.

Please pray for him to gain strength through the IV nutrition, the ventilator, and dialysis.

Please pray that he would be able to breathe better so he can come off the ventilator. Another family that survived Covid told us it takes 3 days recovery time for every day a patient is on the ventilator. Even longer if the patient is older. Dad’s systems need to see improvement soon, and we are asking for a miracle in that area.

As Christmas fast approaches, we pray God’s peace on your family get-togethers, whatever they may look like. And we thank you, once again, for your faithful prayers for Richard L. Porter.

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UPDATE 12/20:

We’re seeing a little improvement today, and we want to rejoice over that!

Dialysis finally seems to be removing fluid from his body. Pray for continued good output!

He’s currently on 60% oxygen from the ventilator. And his blood count has improved, even since midnight last night. His nurse doesn’t think he will need another transfusion today, so that’s a positive.

Someone asked about the pneumonia, and I can’t really answer that question. He had a round of antibiotics, but because it was technically Covid-induced pneumonia, all of this is kind of one and the same. He just needs tremendous healing in his lungs.

And as we have all seen, his numbers—and therefore his systems—are up and down every day. We need several days in a row for everything to improve.

Please pray his body would rally, beat Covid, and that his lungs, kidneys and heart would improve. We serve a faithful God who sees, who protects, who heals. We need that healing touch on Richard’s body today.

Thank you for your faithful prayers, and God bless you!

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UPDATE 12/19:

There's not much change today. Please pray the same things as yesterday. We are humbled by and grateful for every prayer for Dad to be made whole.

God bless you!

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UPDATE 12/18:

Dad had another round of dialysis today.

We did see improvement in some blood levels, including his hemoglobin.

Please pray that:

*His heart will regain strength and function normally—no more tachycardia!

*His kidneys would continue to improve with dialysis.

*His lungs will heal from Covid and strengthen so he can get off the ventilator.

*The doctors will have wisdom to know what to do and what medications to prescribe in Dad’s specific situation.

Mom wanted me to ask each of you to pray Psalm 143 today over dad and her. Would you please take time to read and pray that over them? In our world right now, Covid is the enemy. Ask God to preserve Dad’s life day by day. Thank you.

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UPDATE 12/17:

As I’ve mentioned before, Dad will have up and down days. One day his body might concentrate its fight on his lung capacity. Other days, it might focus on improving kidney function. So, that being said, please don’t be alarmed that he’s still on the ventilator at 70% oxygen. Though they didn’t try to take him off of it today to try the CPAP, they might try again tomorrow.

Dialysis seems to be helping. The nurse said they have seen slight improvement in those numbers.

Please continue to for the following:

That his heart would be strong—day and night.

That the kidneys would continue to improve as they get a rest with dialysis each day.

That his lungs would continue to heal from Covid and work toward even more breathing on his own.

Have I mentioned how much we appreciate your faithful prayers?

Bless you!

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UPDATE 12/16:

Today was the first attempt at time off of the ventilator--and on a C-PAP machine. We are thankful his lungs are strong enough to support this, even if it's only for a short period of time. Also, his oxygen dependency is even lower—down to only 50% from 60% yesterday.

Because his kidney function had not improved, doctors started dialysis on a temporary basis today. He will be on it up to 3-4 hours at a time. Again, we are choosing to see this as positive news. Thank goodness dialysis exists—for patients whose kidneys are struggling.

Mom had another call with Dad around noon today. She didn't hear nearly as much noise in the background (because he was on the C-PAP, not the ventilator), so we hope he might actually have been able to hear/understand her better.

Our prayer requests are much the same today. Please pray that:

*His dependency on the oxygen via the ventilator would continue to decrease and he would be able to stay on the C-PAP even longer tomorrow.

*Dialysis would give his kidneys a much-needed rest and over time restore kidney function completely.

*His body would continue to fight Covid.

*His other systems would remain stable and help him fight.

*Dad's ICU nurse would be as kind and compassionate as Daryl and Victoria (his nurse today) and coordinate another phone call tomorrow.

How can our family ever repay you for taking time to pray? Literally thousands of people around the globe are lifting him up in prayer, asking God to heal him from Covid.

Also, forgive me for not responding to each individual note/comment below. I'm working hard to catch up, but there's so much--which is a great "problem" to have. Bless you, and thank you!

UPDATE 12/15:

Not much change today. Oxygen levels stayed the same. Kidneys still need increased functionality, so we will finalize those options tomorrow. Mom was able to talk to Dad over the phone again today.

So, today, please continue to pray that:

*His dependency on the oxygen via the ventilator would continue to decrease.

*The medicine he’s receiving for his kidneys would do its work and heal/restore kidney function completely.

*His body would continue to fight Covid.

*His other systems would remain stable and help him fight.

*Dad's ICU nurse would be as kind and compassionate as Daryl and coordinate another phone call.

Thank you for your faithful prayer support!

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UPDATE 12/14:

Dad’s dependency on oxygen DECREASED another 10% today. He’s down to needing only 60% from the ventilator. Y’all, I firmly believe the medicine, the ventilator, and the Lord are strengthening his lungs. Join me in praying boldly that this trend would continue. At a decrease of 10%/day, he could be off the ventilator in less than a week!

Kidney function hasn’t improved . . . yet. But we believe it will as the medicine works in his body. If it doesn’t improve, the doctors have discussed some options with us, but we pray for great strides this week.

And Mom and Dad both received a tremendous blessing today, as Dad’s ICU nurse—an angel by the name of Daryl—and I facilitated about a 30-minute phone call between them. Mom knew she would have the opportunity to speak with Dad, and she prepared with a list of things to share with him. She also read him scripture passages and sang to him. Can you just imagine how sweet that was—her voice coming over the speaker of the nurse’s phone on a table at Dad’s bedside? Mom mentioned that as she spoke or sang, she could hear him breathing. That gave her tremendous comfort.

So, today, please pray that:

*His dependency on the oxygen via the ventilator would continue to decrease.

*The medicine he’s receiving for his kidneys would do its work and heal/restore kidney function completely.

*His body would continue to fight Covid.

*His other systems would remain stable and help him fight.

*Dad received a blessing from their one-sided conversation today, and that he and Mom could continue to have daily chats.

We appreciate your ongoing prayer support.

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Update 12/13: Dad’s lungs are responding fairly well to being on the ventilator. His oxygen requirement decreased from 100% dependency to 70%. Praise God for that!

The down side is they’ve called in a kidney specialist for consultation. They don’t plan to make any changes yet, but they may have to consider dialysis on a temporary basis.

The thing I’m most thankful for is that he’s not having to work so hard with very little positive result. As mentioned previously, the vent is doing a lot of the work so the rest of his body can concentrate on fighting Covid.

Please pray that:

His dependency on oxygen would continue to decrease.

His kidneys would be fully restored

The medication and his restored strength would be able to fight back the Covid.

That his other systems (heart, liver, etc.) would remain stable.

Bless you, and thank you so much for praying!

Again, forgive me if I don't respond personally to all messages. There are a lot of moving parts to this, and I'm trying to prioritize and focus on what's most critical to my family. Thanks for understanding.

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Update 12/12: Dad has been placed on a ventilator and is currently in a medically-induced coma.

We are relieved that he (and his lungs) will get some much-needed rest.

Though it’s a bit of shock, we see this as a blessing and tangible help and critical step for his recovery. As you are probably aware, the biggest problem is that older people tend to have more challenges weaning off of the ventilator, so we need to pray that Dad is one of those success stories.

Your prayers are critical to his recovery, so thank you in advance for praying every time you think of him. Pray specifically that the ventilator will give his lungs time to heal.

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Update 12/11: Not much change today. Dad's labs have shown some improvement (praise God!), but he was still disoriented today. He really wants to come home and doesn't seem to understand that that's not possible right now.

Tonight, please pray specifically for wisdom for his medical team--the ICU staff, the infectious disease team, and Dad's floor nurses (night and day). Thank you for remembering our family in prayer!

#TeamRichard #WhateverItTakes

Update 12/10: In addition to his move to ICU, the doctors also reduced Dad's oxygen level intake from the BiPAP back down to the high-flow oxygen machine. While this is certainly promising news, it has confused him a bit. He basically wants to know why he can't go home if he's on a nasal cannula, as many people do well for weeks, months, or even years with a oxygen tank.

Anyway, please pray he would listen to his doctors and nurses and do everything they ask. Pray that the Covid meds will do their work. Pray that his levels and functions will come back within normal ranges.

We need to treat this whole thing like a marathon, not a sprint. That means it may still be a while before he's well enough to go home, and we keep fighting on both the up days and down days.

We are humbled and grateful for your many prayers for Dad, Mom, and our family.

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Update 12/9: The doctor has put in an order for Dad to be moved to ICU. He will still be on BiPAP machine for now. He will receive the constant monitoring and care he needs.

Please pray that his body continues to respond to Remdesivir and other meds. Bless you for joining us in this fight!

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My awesome dad, Richard L. Porter, has been in the hospital 6 days fighting COVID. Even though we aren't allowed to visit him, we trust that he is getting excellent care.

Please pray that his body would respond to the Remdesivir and that he would need less oxygen via BiPAP to breathe.

We are asking every faithful prayer warrior to intercede for him now! He's strong. He played lineman for SMU. He's a navy veteran. He's no stranger to hard work. Well, this is the hardest thing he's ever faced, and we need you on #TeamRichard!

A couple of days ago, he promised Mom he wouldn't give up, so we've chosen "Whatever It Takes" as his motto, if you will.

Allow me to apologize in advance if I don't respond to all of your well wishes and prayers. We are pretty overwhelmed right now.

But thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to pray for his quick and complete healing!

Feel free to share, repost, etc. Thank you. God bless!

#teamrichard #whateverittakes #richardlporter

With Richard L. Porter, Bret Wilson, Brian Porter, Charlie Wilson, Lindsy Wilson, Christopher Hatley Molly Hatley Reese Wilson Brittany Helms Wilson

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