Henry Howard Porter

Henry ‘Howard’ Porter, 89 of Modesto, California, died peacefully at home on September 26, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. He is now, and will forever be, in the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Born May 19, 1929 in Colcord, Oklahoma, he was the son of Loss Porter and Edna Blagg Porter. Survivors include his four sons Doug (Vicki), Bob (Joy), Gary (Pam), Jim (Alyson), 13 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He also leaves behind brothers Ardell Porter of Raymore, Missouri and Ben Porter of Las Cruces, New Mexico, along with sisters Joann Mann of Omaha, Nebraska, Patty Thompson and husband Maxie of Rose, Oklahoma, and Marla Rhodes of Omaha, Nebraska. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ralph Porter, sister’s Donna Cannon and Grace Wolf and beloved wife of 63 years, Beverly Hawkins Porter. He was affectionately known as ‘Papa Porter’ to a host of basketball players he helped coach during his 18 year reign alongside son and Modesto Christian High School basketball coach, Gary Porter. His famous red blazer and ‘Papa Porter Drills’ will go down in history. Howard served in the Korean War as a Sergeant First Class for the United States Army. He also spent time working for the Santa Fe Railroad, California Employment Development Department, and as an educator for Modesto City Schools and the California Department of Corrections. Each summer he also enjoyed his work as a field man for Del Monte. A Celebration of Life and graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 5th at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, California. A reception will follow at the Porter residence, 603 S Indiana Ave, Modesto, California.Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 4, 2018 in the Riverside Chapel at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, California. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Modesto Christian High School Boys Basketball program.