Don Curtis Porter

March 15, 1928, to January 24, 2025

     Don Curtis Porter, of Chillicothe, OH, peacefully passed away in his sleep on January 24, 2025, after spending time with his family.

     Don was born on a rainy March 15, 1928, in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Williard Clyde and Bernice Floy (Francis) Porter, at White Cross Hospital.  Don graduated from Unioto High School in 1946 and was a member of the winning Ross County Championship Basketball Team that year. He is the 2nd to last surviving member of the Unioto Class of 1946, survived by Naomi Jean Bumen (North Carolina). After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army serving 2 tours in Korea and Japan and was honorably discharged in 1952. 

     In 1954, Don married Nancy Kay Cook of Greenfield, Ohio, who survives him. 

     Others remaining to cherish Don’s memory are his children Sara Winters and her husband David (Powell, OH), son Darren Porter and his wife Carol Lewis Webb (Springfield, OH); grandsons Jack Hemphill (Hilliard, OH), Caleb Porter (Grove City, OH); sister-in-law Carol F. Wobser (Cincinnati, OH); as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors new and old.

     Don retired from Columbia Gas of Ohio in 1985 after 35 years as a Senior Serviceman. He was a member of Springbank United Methodist Church. He was a life member of American Legion Post 62, Amvets Post 4 and VFW Post 108. He served on the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard for 60 years and was Commander of the group at one time. He enjoyed fishing and camping and supported his children in Scouting and Marching Band. He was a huge fan and supporter of the Chillicothe High School (CHS) Marching Band from 1978 to 1983 working in the concession stand and travelling for competition shows. He was assistant coach for the Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church Softball Team in 1982.

     Whether or not his children were involved, he supported and raised money for the Jolly Rodgers and Cavalier Clubs by cooking at fish fries, working in concession stands, selling tickets for the game ball during the CHS football seasons and ice cream bars during basketball seasons. He told his children that he wanted to give back for the kids whose parents couldn’t be at their kids’ games because his own parents couldn’t be his games.

     His hobbies included collecting antique toy trains and cast-iron figures, making hammers out of railroad spikes like his grandfather taught him and woodworking. His skills with wood included jewelry chests, benches, shelves and patriotic Snoopys to share with family and friends. He had a passion for Fords.  Preceding Don in death are siblings Ned Porter, Francis Clyde Porter, and Winona Jane (Porter) Pummell; sisters-in-law Clara (Bowdle) Porter (Chillicothe, OH) and Joyce E. Amyx (Greenfield, OH).

     Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2025 in the WARE FUNERAL HOME with Pastor Jim Wade officiating.  Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard.  Friends may call at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. prior to the funeral service on Friday. 

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Springbank United Methodist Church, 23871 State Route 104, Chillicothe, OH 45601.

     You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com

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