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Elden Spencer Porter

03/23/1927 - 03/24/2020

Elden Spencer Porter passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family, on March 24, 2020. He was born in Prescott, Arizona on March 23, 1927, the fourth of seven children born to Gladys Vivian Despain Porter and Cyril Vickory Porter. His siblings are Gwen, Lynn, Cyril, {Elden} Lylia, Newell and Robert.

In 1931 the family moved to the Bowler Ranch, five miles north of Heber, Arizona, where he grew up during the Depression years. They planted crops of corn, wheat and oats to grow and harvest, had animals to take care of, and burros to help bring in the wood for their needs through the winters. This was a time when everyone had to work together to survive and in reality, are treasured memories and great teachers of hard work and faith, building strong family ties and love.

Elden was 8 years old when his father died, leaving his mother a young 34-year-old widow, with 7 children to raise. He had to grow up fast, and he learned to be the great man that he is through the faith and teachings of his dear mother.

Elden attended grade-school, which was held in a neighbor’s home, high school for 2 years in Mesa, Arizona and 2 years in Prescott, Arizona where he graduated with honors in 1945. During the summer between his junior and senior years, he worked for an uncle in Heber, Arizona. “The pay was quite good”, he said, enough for him to buy a 1931 Model A convertible for $25 and keep it full of gas- meaning, he no longer had to walk the 2 miles each way to school and back. He graduated as an outstanding athlete, was president and salutatorian of his senior class.

Elden served in the Armed forces from 1945 through 1947, stationed in the Philippines and Japan in the mop up operations of World War II.

On June 27, 1948 Elden married Patsy Ruth Howard from Prescott, Arizona. He lived the rest of his life (over 71 years) with his beautiful girl who captured his heart.

Elden worked for Arizona Public Service Company, and in 1954 was transferred from Prescott, Arizona to San Manuel, Arizona. In 1958 he was promoted to Flagstaff, Arizona as assistant area manager, then to Mesa, Arizona and finally Show Low, Arizona. He had progressed from lineman to area manager in the company.

Elden had a lifelong love and involvement in scouting. He took two different troops of Boy Scouts to the National Scouting Jamboree in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania and later in his life was given Scoutings highest honor for adult volunteers, the “Silver Beaver” award.

Close friends would call him “Port”, an appropriate nickname. He was a mentor, guide and stay to many, young and old. Any who felt lost or adrift could find anchor and respite in his friendship and love. The qualities he learned from his mother of industry, endurance, tenacity, perseverance, dependability, patience and love were shared with many in his service, both in church and community. He is remembered by many of the boys he coached in Little League Kiwanas and other community service organizations and served faithfully in his church callings including Scoutmaster, seminary teacher, Bishop, Stake President and Stake Patriarch.

He was loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Elden is survived by his dear wife, Patsy, his sister, Lylia Carlisle Nelson, sons Michael, Richard, Ron, Von, Steve and Gary and daughter Connie. He leaves 33 grandchildren, 72 great- grandchildren, and 1 great- great- granddaughter.

Condolences

  • Claudia A Green

    How I love President Porter! He was a warm, sweet, kind, caring man. He was my Stake President when I joined the Church in 1975. In later years, I usually saw him at weddings and funerals I attended and he always remembered me. He often told me not to settle for or marry anyone who was less than the man I dreamed of.
    What a wonderful man I will never forget! My heart goes out to family members. His life was rich and I’m sure your memories are too. I kept track of where he was as the years have passed. I look forward to meeting him again beyond the veil. I know he will remember me,

  • Hi Porter Family! We love you and will miss Uncle Eldon. What a great man and a great family!

  • Hi Porters. Uncle Elden is a special person. He has a heart of gold. He has left a great legacy. He will be missed. Love to all the family.

  • An outstanding gentleman who played a prominent roll (along with his family) during my elementary school days. Spent many hours at their home. I am grieving his passing and my prayers and love go out to all the family.

  • Kay Jean Poulson

    Mom, Jean Mickelson, and I remember Brother Porter, Pat and their family’s service while they lived in Flagstaff, Az. Elden and Pat were wonderful leaders in the ward when Flagstaff only had 2 wards. We didn’t realize Elden was so close in age to Mom. We were happy to learn about his life after leaving Flag. Sending love to the Porter Family.

  • Lanny and Margie owens

    A magnificent man of great stature. An example of the Saviors love for each and every person who crossed his path. Ohhhh, how we loved, admired and respected him! His sweet wife ??? What an amazing queen she is ! She is such a true “lady” …. gracious , kind and loving. Tender hugs to each member of the family.

  • Randi Munson Peart

    Many wonderful memories of the Porter family in Flagstaff. Love and condolences to Patsy and entire family. My very impressionable younger self was greatly influenced by you. Love and prayers.

  • Hi and condolence to the Porter family.
    I was yet a young tenderfoot scout when Brother Porter as scoutmaster took us all on a trip to the Superstition Mountains outside of Phoenix. What a trip to remember! Later I found out he had packed up some brass filings and “salted” a few choice areas near the mountain to give us something to do one afternoon. After the troop had gone back to camp and were asleep I proceeded back to the hunting ground to get rich. He was always going the extra mile to make things interesting and educational for us.
    I also remember him riding horseback with my dad out near Turkey Hill near Walnut Creek to determine the feasibility of bringing power out to the ranch.
    Sorry to hear of his passing.

  • We sure Loved Uncle Eldon Porter family. He was always one of my favorite Great Uncles! Prayers for the family!!

  • My Dad Wendell Despain loved Eldon and his family . Thelma completed 5 generations of Genealogy work for my family. A wonderful family

  • I loved Uncle Eldon. He was my favorite brother of Grandma Gwen’s. He was always so sweet and kind, his smile was contagious! My love to the family. Love all of you very much and my heart is with you during this very difficult time.

  • Edwin and Zella Webb

    We loved Uncle Eldon so very much. When he greeted you with that smile and huge hug, you knew he loved you. He had so many special conversations with Edwin – and welcomed advice which was always accepted with much love and kindness. We miss him already. Aunt Pat, and family,we love you so much and our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We love you dearly.

  • Dennis and Christi Palmer

    Sorry for the passing of your Husband and Father. We Love him very much

  • I’m sure there was quite the party in heaven as he returned. And one thing for sure is it involved making homemade ice cream. You will be dearly missed. Aunt Pat our condolences and love to you and your family.

  • As a young man growing up in Flagstaff, I had many amazing role models to look up to. Pres. Porter was one of the positive influences ever!! He was ALWAYS happy; he was ALWAYS positive; he was ALWAYS complimentary – whether we deserved it or not; he was ALWAYS humble and willing to listen to whomever, whenever; he was ALWAYS kind and respectful to his amazing wife; and … I am sooo very thankful that I got to associate with this great family for the years that they lived in Flagstaff – and wish that the association could have been even closer since then! Our hearts go out to you Sister Porter. We love you and yours!!

  • Pres porter was my dad great friend . More than once it was Elden who would come to my Dads spiritual and physical rescue.He was our close family friend and I will forever love him.

  • Tina Merrill and the Roberts Family

    We love and miss you President Porter. Thank you for all that you did in serving many. ❤️

  • Donnie Porter

    Aunt Pat & family,
    We love you all and appreciate all of the lifelong memories! What a great reunion those brothers and sister must have had! When I heard, my first thought was Roy Campbell must have come and got him.
    Donnie & Donita and family

  • A giant of a man. My first baseball coach, a true mentor in every way.

  • I spent many happy days at the Porters home growing up playing with my best friend Coni. Her dad, Eldon was always so warm and welcoming and happy I was there. I remember the pancakes with peanut butter and maple syrup. This is the only place I ever ate that! He was my brothers Little League coach and we loved going to those games. He was truly a builder and lifter of people. I’m so grateful I got to know him. My love and prayers go out to his large and amazing family.

  • ALLEN MERRILL

    Elden Porter was my Stake President in the Salt River Stake and the one who called and ordained me as a Bishop. I grew to love him and appreciate and honor his wise counsel. I consider him to be one of those friends that can always be counted on. May God bless Pat and all of your family at this time and always.

  • I had the privilege of working with Eldon when he was in the Snowflake – Show Low area. Eldon was definitely a man of faith and lived his faith. He was very respected at APS and in the community in which he resided. I never seen Elden after I retired but, if you never met him you missed a wonderful human being. Rest In Peace Eldon.

  • Thomas Bronk

    Eldon life made a big difference in many people’s lives. I was one of those as a boy in grade school, and later as a young man. I met Eldon when my father, Orville Bronk, was transferred to San Manuel from Phoenix by Arizona Public Service in late 1953. When Eldon arrived he was my scout leader and our family friend until he was transferred to Flagstaff. In 1967 our paths crossed again in Flagstaff when APS transferred me there after I had become employed with them. Eldon was always friendly, outgoing and encouraging, and we were able to stay in touch in Flag until he went to Phoenix. He was one of my favorite people and I’ll remember all the times we had together. Best wishes go out to all the family. Most probably don’t remember the name, but Eldon is a prominent name with the Bronks.

  • G. Leroy Vines

    I worked with and went to church with Eldon in Flagstaff. He was a mentor for me, and I had a great respect for him. He was a great and respected man. I have many fond memories.

  • Kathleen Eldridge

    My prayers go out to you and your family for the loss of President Porter.

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