Donald Dean Porterfield

Born on April 4, 1931, Donald was the fourth of nine children. His early years were spent in various locations, including Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Missouri. He took on various jobs growing up, working as a cotton picker, a carnival worker, and even as a gas station attendant at the Skelly Gas Station in Westport, alongside his father.

In 1951, Donald was drafted into the United States Marine Corps where he specialized in reconnaissance, intelligence, and advanced stealth invasions, becoming a highly skilled "frogman." Serving on three ships and two submarines, he loved his time in the service.

After an honorable discharge in 1953, Donald joined Heaven Engineering, an HVAC company in Kansas City. Starting from the warehouse, eventually rising to the position of sales engineer and later becoming an owner of the company. He loved to tell people he met that he worked for “Heaven”.

In 1957, Donald met Jo Ann Swanson at the Pla-Mor, a Kansas City bowling alley. They married that same year and built a home together in Independence, Missouri, raising three children. Jo passed away in 1994.

In December 2015, he sold his house in Independence and moved in with his daughter, Jill and her husband Matt.

Donald Dean Porterfield will be remembered for entertaining his grandchildren, ‘razzing’ his brothers & sisters and teaching us all the value of hard work, saving and investing wisely.

Don leaves behind three children: Jill Moore (Matt) of Kansas City, Dena Porterfield of Davenport, IA and Andy Porterfield (Anita) of Palm Desert, CA. Three grandchildren: Jacob Moore, Madeline Moore & Breanna Bueno. One great grandchild: Mila Bueno. Siblings: Lois Howard, Duane Porterfield, Larry Porterfield & Kenny Porterfield.

In lieu of flowers donations to Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care

Visitation will be: Monday, June 26, 2023 5:00-7:00 pm

at Newcomer's Floral Hills Funeral Home, 7000 BLUE RIDGE BLVD, KANSAS CITY, MO 64133.