Harold Wayne Porter

Harold Wayne Porter, 87, of Litchfield Park, AZ passed away November 26, 2017. He was born in Higden, Arkansas on February 3, 1930 to Mitchell and Oneta Porter. He is survived by his sons, Darryl Wayne Porter and Curtis Wayne Porter (Kerri); grandchildren, Dominique (Justin) Unverzagt, Samantha Porter, and Curtis Grant Porter; great granddaughter, Anastasia Unverzagt; and brother, Dewey Porter of Scottsdale, AZ. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Jean Porter and his sister, Doris Ahrens of Kansas City, KS.

Following graduation from Arizona State University, Mr. Porter served two years in the United States Air Force followed by 28 years in the Air Force reserves, retiring as a colonel. He spent 36 years in education including 24 years as superintendent of Agua Fria Union High School District (1966 – 1990). This was followed by 16 years as Executive Director of the Arizona School Administrators Association, (ASA). The executive board named the association office building the Harold W. Porter ASA office building. While superintendent of Agua Fria, Mr. Porter was elected to serve as President of the AASA Century Club, (the membership was comprised of two superintendents from each state.) In college Mr. Porter was Vice President of the student body, President of the Blue Key National Honorary fraternity and played baseball. He was a member of the ROTC and Delta Chi fraternity. He was selected by the alumni association to chair the “52” class reunion.

During Harold’s leadership roles as a school principal, superintendent and association executive director he enjoyed unconditional support from his loving wife Barbara. Barbara taught for 34 years, the last 22 at Litchfield Elementary. This was followed by six years at Grand Canyon College; together they gave 86 years to education.

A visitation will be held from 6:45 – 9:00 pm, Friday, December 1, 2017 at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, December 15, 2017 at The Church at Litchfield Park, 300 N Old Litchfield Rd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340.