Emmett Porter

November 10, 1926 - March 1, 2015

Emmett Rhudolph Porter, 88, of Floris, Iowa died March 1, 2015 at the Ottumwa Hospice House. He was born November 10, 1926 in Hedrick, Iowa to Walter and Viola Dale Porter. Emmett served in the United States Army during WWII and the Korean War. He married Beverly Bridgeman February 25, 1950 in Bloomfield. She preceded him in death October 4, 2001. Emmett worked for John Morrell in Ottumwa until it closed, Ottumwa Regional Health Center, and later as a security guard for Pinkerton Security. He loved going to area car races, watching NASCAR on television, riding Harley Davidson Motorcycles, and going on long walks. He was a Boy Scout Leader in Floris for many years and was an original member of the Floris Fire Department where he served as Fire Chief for several years. He is survived by a daughter, Sarah (Dwight) Miller of Floris; three sons, Donald (Vicki) Porter of Windsor, Illinois, Dennis (Robin) Porter of Floris, Darrell (Rebeckha) Porter of Ottumwa; eight grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Will Marie Porter. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; grandson, Thomas Walter Porter; two daughters-in-law, Connie Wilson Porter, Margaret Welch Porter; sister, Mary Lou Porter; and a brother, Walter Larry Porter. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield with Pastor Gordon Hawkins officiating. Military rites will be performed by Reed-Whisler Post #78 of the American Legion. Cremation will follow the service with burial of the cremains at the Taylor Cemetery in Appanoose County at a later date. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday with the family present to greet friends from 5-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the Ottumwa Hospice House.