Bobby Lynn Porter, 88, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2021. Bob was born January 12, 1933, to Roland and Mina Haws Porter in Escalante, Utah. He was the seventh of eight children. At the age of 5, they moved to the ranch where he first learned about hard work. He attended elementary and high school in Escalante and had great relationships with his teachers and classmates, graduating in 1951. Bob got his draft notice to the U.S. Army in 1952 and reported for basic training shortly after. He was discharged in 1954 just in time for Christmas. On November 22, 1955, he married Sandra Bailey in the St. George Temple for time and all eternity. He attended and played basketball for Cedar City University and in 1959 graduated from the College of Southern Utah with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. He later went on to earn a master’s degree from Arizona State University. He and Sandra moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1959 where he taught elementary school for 14 years. Bob was a builder and skilled craftsman. He built 5 of the homes they lived in over the years along with homes and cabinets for others all over the valley. In 1973 Bob obtained his contractors license and operated Bob Porter Construction until starting up a cabinetry business, Sawmill Custom Cabinets, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2003. He and Sandra served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Honduras San Pedro Sula Mission in Belize from 2003 to 2004. Bob and Sandra served in the Mesa Arizona Temple for 13 years. Bob always had a project he was working on in the shop, a part of the yard he was tending to, or a piece of history he was learning about. Bob was known and loved for his kind heart, service to others, and wonderful sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife Sandra, children Teresa LeSueur (Darrel), Brent (Afton), and Travis (Alyssa), thirteen grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, four sisters, two daughters, and one grandson.
Funeral services will be held Friday, April 9, 2021, at the Edgewood Ward building, 4640 E. Holmes Ave, Mesa, with visitation at 9:00 am followed by a funeral service at 10:00 am. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N. Center Street, Mesa, Arizona. Services will also be available through Zoom https://zoom.us/j/93431437098 or YouTube https://youtu.be/ZMIeOQexh0U for those wishing to join remotely.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Services: https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services
Our deepest and heartfelt condolences upon the passing of such a warm, gentle and loving man. May you be sustained by the spirit as you make this transition. We love and pray for all of the Porter family at this time and appreciate our association we’ve had through the years.
Mr. Porter was the 6th grade teacher at Webster Elementary school in Mesa that every student wanted. He taught my brother John and my sister Sandy. He knew my brother Gerry and myself. He would play with us at recess. Very few students could beat Mr. Porter at tetherball and I was one of them. He will always be remembered as a good man. Condolences to his wife and family.
What a wonderful man. He was full of wisdom and light. We love the Porters! Reggie & Lisa Heywood
Great photos of your dad. I always liked his big smile and great attitude.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sandra and all of Bob’s family. Bob’s humor, kind and caring manner for others will be missed. Our lives are blessed with years of association with such a kind, gentle and hard working skilled individual. The Cabients that he build for us were admired by all and produced years beauty and joy to our household. You’ll truly be missed Bob. Farewell to a special friend. Until we meet again.
Bob has had a powerful influence in our lives. He was so patient and if you were interested he would teach you great things. He also was so welcoming and friendly to us. We love him and his example for us to follow. We pray for comfort for Sandra and his family
Bob Porter is the true definition of friend. He always had a smile on his face backed by a can-do positive attitude. His first inclination was always, “how can I help?” He and Sandra are the perfect couple. You cannot depart their presence and not feel much better than when you arrived. Our thoughts, prayers and gratitude go out to Sandra and their family. We are better for having known Bob and knowing Sandra.
My prayers go out to bobs family in such little time we had the impact he has made on my life his advice he gave me our funny conversations I will always remember may you rest in peace my friend
So sorry to hear about Bobs passing. Other than my father no man has ever meant more to me. He was my guide patrol leader when I was 11 years old. I have so many fond memories of Bob and Sandra. Whether it was chasing a coyote in the desert or watching a suns game or going to an asu football game or the first 2 Super Bowls I had a ball with this man. He helped me build my first home. I remember doing the plumbing on his home on southern. I think Sandra had him rebuild the back door at least a dozen times. He was my hero. Will miss Bob. So sorry for Sandra and the families loss. He will be missed. Love to all. Doug
So sorry to hear about Bob’s passing. It is hard to think about people getting older than the last time we saw them. Bob and Sandra are a class act…so talented, giving, and stalwart. I hope and pray you will feel extra love, comfort, and strength during this tender time.