David Martin Porter

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David (Dave) Martin Porter of Fort Wayne, Indiana. He passed away unexpectedly at his home from natural causes on November 14, 2024, at the age of 77. Dave was born on November 23, 1946, to David and Geraldine Porter in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Melrose Park, Illinois, and graduated from Walther Lutheran High School in 1964. Shortly thereafter, he and his family relocated to Naperville, Illinois, where he began attending Bethany Lutheran Church and North Central College. It was at the church’s youth group where he met his beloved, Mary Lou. It was truly love at first sight. They married on December 30, 1967. Through their almost 57 years of marriage, having Mary Lou by his side was his greatest blessing of all. Dave completed his Bachelor of Arts in Music in 1969 at North Central College. While working on his degree, he also started a job working as the Operations Manager at Illinois Auto Central in Chicago, Illinois. In 1980, he moved to Illinois Auto Electric Company in Elmhurst, Illinois where he served as Director of Information Technology. In 1988, Dave relocated to Fort Wayne, Indiana to become the Director of Information Systems at Tuthill Transfer Systems. In 2001, he moved to the corporate office where he served as Business Intelligence Director until 2009. From 2010 to 2013 he served as a Cognos Senior Developer and Trainer at American Business Solutions Inc. in Lewis Center, Ohio. Dave had a light-hearted sense of humor and enjoyed many interests and hobbies. Dave loved to laugh and make others laugh with his groaner “dad” jokes and his quick wit. He also enjoyed mind-challenging games like sudoku and crossword puzzles, was an avid golfer, and had a lifelong passion for model rocketry and outer space. He was an active member of the Summit City Aerospace Modelers, where he eventually achieved the highest certification for building and launching high-powered model rockets. Dave enjoyed traveling across the country and abroad. He was fortunate to visit several countries through his employer. Dave was also a talented musician. He became a skilled trombone player in his early years and then moved on to develop a passion for the 12-string acoustic guitar. He fostered a love of music in his children as it was a constant and cherished part of his life. Dave also became a self-taught expert in technology, learning how to build and repair computers. What began as a personal interest evolved into a life-long hobby, often helping others with their own tech needs. Dave enjoyed playing sports. His positive yet competitive approach made every game of golf, racquetball, or tennis a memorable experience for those lucky enough to play alongside him. Dave enjoyed playing video games with his children and grandchildren. Above all that he did, he loved his family and cherished the time he spent with them. His faith in God remained strong through all stages of his life. Dave was a dedicated member of Overcoming Church for several years. He was a student of the Bible. He deepened his faith, not only to grow closer to God, but also to help others grow closer to God as well. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Lou Porter, Fort Wayne, IN; his children, Jennifer (Matthew) Reeb, Fort Wayne, IN, Susan (Brian) Kenworthy, Fishers, IN, Sarah (Joshua) Weber, Columbia City, IN, Martha (Michael) Quintanilla, Avilla, IN, Jonathan (Ashley) Porter, Ossian, IN, David Porter, Fort Wayne, IN; grandchildren, Allison (Simon) Brown, Amanda (Brady) Linneman, Andrew Prindle, Austin Prindle, Gabbrielle (Ryan) Fipp, William Kenworthy, Lucas Kenworthy, Adeline Weber, Adin Weber, Michael (Taylor) Quintanilla Jr, Hailey Quintanilla, Eva Porter, Calvin Porter, Oliver Porter; great-grandchildren, Maeve Brown, Camrey Linneman, Adrian Heine, Ivy Heine; sister Lois (Sam) DiBlasio; sisters-in-law, Jane (Tom) Hollon, Kay Elli; aunt, Marlene Barthelmy; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Dave was predeceased in death by his parents, David Creighton Porter and Geraldine Adeline Anason Middleton. A visitation for Dave will be held Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes – Pine Valley, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. The Funeral will be on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 4:00 PM, at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes – Pine Valley, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825, with visitation one hour prior to service. A special message about Dave from the president of the Summit City Aerospace Modelers, Tim Hegemier: Dave was a very active member of the Summit City Aerospace Modelers, his local rocketry club. As the club webmaster, he was instrumental in the design and the evolution of the club webpage, which has received multiple awards from the National Association of Rocketry. He volunteered for whatever needed done - he was even the announcer at club rocket launches for the past several years! Dave held the highest certification level for high-power model rockets, and he flew rockets at the biggest high-power launch in the country, in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada.