Donald Rex "Don" Porter

MISSOULA ~ Donald “Don” Rex Porter, age 84 passed away from cancer at home surrounded by his family, Sunday June 23, 2024.

 Don was born August 15, 1939 in Kokomo Ind. to Rex Jack Porter and Ruth Ellen Glass Marvin Porter. He attended school in Kokomo and Tucson AZ where the family moved in the 1940’s.

 Don married Marcia Reynolds in 1957 in Tucson. They have 3 sons, Steven R Porter (Susan) of Seattle WA, Donald “Mark” Porter (Cindy Lou) of Missoula; and Gregory Scott Porter (Katherine) of Tenino WA. They also raised Don’s nephew Mickey Lee Galloway. Marcia and Don divorced later, remaining friends.

 As a devoted family man, Don was not only a strong positive force in the lives of his children but continued to influence two generations of grandchildren through his humor and thoughtful guidance as well.

 Don and his family moved from Tucson to Hamilton twice, the last time in 1974. Don worked at sawmills in Darby and Bonner. At a great personal sacrifice, he worked weekdays for a year at an Idaho mill after the Conner mill burned so his children could maintain a normal life in their current school. He retired from Smurfit-Stone in 2003. While working at Smurfit-Stone Don completed technical studies qualifying him as a Lab Technician where he performed QA and environmental sampling.

 Don was raised in a family of musicians where he learned to be an accomplished guitar player. He played professionally for nearly 20 years and passed his love of music down to his son Mark. Don also began painting portraits after his retirement and enjoyed painting until his passing.

 Don is survived by his sister Thelma Charlene “Charlie” Porter Ellsworth (Wes) of Show Low, AZ. Don has the following grandchildren: Bridget Tucker (Jason), Karl Porter (Kyla), Randall Porter (Liz), Emily Kupko (Nate), Jared Porter (Amanda), and Spenser Porter. His Great grandchildren are Meredith and Alex Tucker, Charlotte Porter, and Gregory M Porter.

 He was preceded in death by brothers Danny Lee Porter, Bruce LaMont Porter, and sister Rose Daun Porter Galloway Johnson.

 The family would like to thank Dr. Rachael Schmitd, Dr. Sarah Scott and Dr. Stephenson and the staff at St Pat’s, and the wonderful caring Hospice staff--- Dr. Carla Davis, nurses Wendy, Kenna, and Bridget, for their guidance and compassion.

 Cremation has been accorded and his cremated remains will be placed at Sunset Gardens in Missoula. At Don’s request there will be no services.