John H. Porter Jr.

John H. Porter, Jr. was born in Krotz Springs, Louisiana on February 6, 1939 to parents John H. and Ferrix Mae (Johnson). Although during his early years the family moved several times following a job, they eventually ended up back in Melville, Louisiana where he spent the greater part of his younger years, always calling that home. Following high school years, John enlisted in the Air Force and spent the next 3 years learning a trade that instilled in him a lifelong love of cooking. He loved nothing better than to have a group of family and friends around talking and laughing while he cooked, always referring to his elaborate efforts as "just a little something I whipped up". Following his Air Force years, he worked in the oilfield for a short period of time and then worked for Blume System, a tree-trimming company, for the next several years. He quickly moved up to a position which made him District Manager of an area that covered large parts of Texas and New Mexico. While working there, he illustrated a booklet with drawings of trees the company used for training new people in the art of tree trimming. It was during this time he married and had Joni Lyn and Lisa Joy. Several years later, while living in Conroe, John retired from the tree trimming business and began working for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, eventually becoming a Store Manager to several Goodyear stores in the Conroe and Houston area. It was while he was working in the Conroe store he met and married Marla Walker, who would share his life for over 43 years. During their marriage they were blessed with two daughters, Shelby Susanne and Joley Anne. Retiring from Goodyear after 26 years, he decided retirement was a little premature and began an 11 year career with Professional Fabricators in Spring, Texas. After once again retiring, he had time to pursue another of his many talents, landscape painting. Fulfilling a live-long dream to have his art on display, he became the Local Resident Artist in the Linda Watson Gallery, and eventually painted in the Thomas Kinkade Gallery and last at the Conroe Central Market. People loved to stop and stand at the window and watch him paint. It was during this time he made friends with Joe Kolb, Joe Fleshner, Kathy Cook, Jim Pokorski and Mike Canada, friendships that would last him the rest of his life. John was a Christian who had a strong love of Jesus he shared with everyone, and always gave Him praise for his talent. After a lengthy illness John died peacefully at home on January 16, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ray Devillier. He is survived by wife, Marla Jean Porter, of Conroe, Texas; sister, Iretta Mayo of Seattle, Washington; daughters Joni (George) Freeman of Conroe, Texas, Lisa (John) Brogan of Holden, Louisiana, Shelby (James) Rushing and Joley (Jerry) Vineyard of Conroe, Texas. Grandchildren are Brandon, Damon, Daquiri, Jacy, Hailey, Haley Nicole, Ethan, Olivia and Tripp; great grandchildren Alex, Aubrie, Cade, Gauge, Camden, Madi, and Max. He is also survived by many other nieces, nephews and family members. The family would like to give special thanks to John's caregiver, Jacqueline, for her wonderful care of him during his illness, as well as to all his other friends who visited and assisted during this time. His last days were filled with the things he loved the most, family and friends. Services will be conducted by son-in-law, Minister Jerry Vineyard, at the Cashner Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. with visitation on Monday, January 19, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Following the service, interment will be at County Line Cemetery. Pallbears are George Freeman, James Rushing, Ethan Rushing, Trey Turner, Robin Dunn and Wayne Russell. Honorary pallbearers are Joel Turner, Vick Angona, Thomas Whittington, John Brogan, Joe Kolb, Jim Pokorski, Joe Fleshner, Mike Canada, Jerry Hood, Tom Morgan and Troy Wise. To honor his legacy in the arts, a scholarship fund in his name has been established. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the John Porter Visual Arts Scholarship Fund through Bank of America. To leave condolences to the family, visit our website at www.cashnerconroe.com.