Joe Thomas Porter

Joe Thomas Porter was born in Bakersfield, California on February 9, 1933 to Henry and Hazel Porter. He was 82 years old when he passed on February 24, 2015 at home surrounded by family. Joe succumbed to a three year battle with kidney cancer.

Joe was born in Bakersfield, but spent much of his growing up years in Taft graduating from Taft High School in 1951. He married Joan Gromer and had three children, David, Robin, and Charles. He signed on with the Naval Reserves for 12 years. Joe began his career and retired from the Kern County Fire Department, and he was proud of his 28 years with them. He made many friends in the department, and thought of them as family.

Joe married Carol (Nacca) Porter May 15, 1976. They had a son, Thomas Carl, who has become a great source of pride for Joe and Carol. Joe, Carol, and Tom enjoyed traveling to far off countries, and to places closer to home. Joe was a mechanic, fabricator, and all-round fixer. He had a sense of humor that was off the wall. He enjoyed making everyone smile.

Joe leaves behind to mourn his passing, wife, Carol; daughter, Robin Smallcomb (husband - Tom); son, Charles Porter (partner - Martha); son, Tom Porter (wife - Holly); mother-in-law, Gay Nacca; grandchildren, Carl David Porter (Sarah and family); Sarah Smallcomb; Dallas Smallcomb (Rachael); Savannah Bond (Mynor); Sunny Isabel Porter; great grandchildren Krystal, Matthew, and Kelsey. Joe also has two nephews and several cousins.

Joe is predeceased by his first born son, David Porter; parents, Hazel and Henry; sister, Carol; and brother, James.

Joe's family is deeply grateful to Optimal Hospice nurses and staff, Isabello, Lauren, and Madi, for their kind attention to Joe.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

(Anonymous)

A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Hillcrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Joe's name to Marley's Mutts or CALM.