Peter Porter

Peter E. Porter, 81, of Mansfield, died early Wednesday morning, April 28, 2010 at his home. Born June 11, 1928 in Elliott County, Kentucky, he was the son of Harold and Agnes Gerhart Porter. Peter retired from Ohio Brass after 43 years of service. He was a member of Ontario Free Methodist Church and loved going to church and serving the Lord since the age of 27. He started attending the Church of Christ in Christian Union, then later was an elder in various churches and was instrumental in the start up of two churches in the area-Real Life Center in Mansfield and Lighthouse Chapel in Lucas, serving as elder to both parishes. Peter enjoyed playing shuffleboard and corn hole. He wintered in Florida and was a professional shuffleboard player and champion in Avon Park. While in Florida, he attended Community Bible Church, living in Avon Park Holiness Camp.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Audrey B. Parsons Porter, whom he married on April 3, 1948. He is also survived by three sons, Morris 'Bud' Tammy Porter, Roger Alan Porter, all of Lucas and Michael Kevin Porter of Mansfield; fourteen grandchildren, Roger Porter, Jr., Valeria Staggs, Bradford Porter, Cassie Taylor, Kristen Dech, Stephanie Hoffer, Jason Porter, John Porter, Daniel Porter, Matthew Porter, Roger Baker, Glen Baker, Michael Porter and Peter A. Porter; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; five sisters, Imogene Rose, Joy Devore, Kay Jarvis, Carol June Jarvis, all of Mansfield and Doris Hanshaw of Kentucky; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Kenneth Ray Porter; granddaughter, Andrea Kay Porter; and brother, Arthur Porter.

Friends may visit from 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 30, 2010 at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. Additional visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral services Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the Ontario Free Methodist Church, 2200 Bedford Blvd., Mansfield, with Rev. Tony Viscioni, Rev. Jim Walker and Rev. Jerry Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, MedCentral Hospice or Gideon's Bible International.