Neil Floyd Porter (Hartville)'s Obituary
Neil Floyd Porter, 78, insurance executive, salesman, cattleman, veteran, world traveler, developer, loyal friend, positive thinker, beloved husband, father and grandfather, and a man of strong Christian faith and principles, left his earthly home for his seat at Heaven’s banquet table on the gloriously beautiful morning of Wednesday, August 12, 2015.
Born February 26, 1937 in Laclede County, Competition, MO, to Floyd O. & Ruby Elizabeth (Hardin) Porter, Neil was the sixth of their children, creating another generation of Porters who were instrumental in homesteading that land beginning in the 1850s.
Also seated at the table, along with his sweet parents, are his dear sister, brothers, and their spouses – Farron Maxine Porter Griffin (Victor), Edward Dale (Helen Dougan), Lowell Lafayette (Charlene Snow), Charles Bruce (Elfreda Wempen), and Ruth Wilhite – all preceding him in death.
Yet to be seated are his loving wife of 60 years, Mavis June, of Springfield; his adoring daughter Belinda Dawn Belk (Bradley Roe) of Joplin, and business partner and devoted son Neil Bruce (Deborah Anne Gilmore) of Nixa; his precious grandchildren Kailee Michelle Porter (Brian King), and Alec Bruce Porter, as well as step-grandchildren Wendy Featherton (Stuart), and Dustin Woosley, all of Springfield; and one brother Norris Leroy Porter of Jacksonville, AR. Also waiting are many cherished nieces and nephews Karen Griffin (Reg) Chambers, state of Alaska, and Paula Griffin (Rick) Ferguson, Vicki Griffin (Fred) McMeans and Steven Porter Griffin, all of the state of Texas; Donald (Donnesia) Porter, state of Missouri; David (Debbie) Porter, state of Virginia; Lyle (Tara), Jim, Tom, and Norm (Leslie) Porter, all of the state of Wyoming; Edward (Carolyn) Porter and Mike Porter (deceased), state of Arkansas; and Ronald (Pat) Porter and Jerald Porter (deceased) state of Georgia; their families, dear cousins and countless friends, both old and new.
Dad lived a wonderful life filled with faith, love, family and adventure. His early years were spent on the Porter family farm where he worked the cattle. His formal education came from attending elementary school in Competition, and graduating from Hartville High School in 1955. He later attended Drury University in Springfield.
It was in high school that he met and soon married the love of his life, June, on August 27, 1955. They moved to Kansas City and began their young married life. Dad worked in electronics at Sheffield Steel and mom at Montgomery Ward. Within the year he joined the Air Force, and was honored to serve his country. After his tour, they moved back to Kansas City, then to Lebanon, where he worked in electronics at Detroit Tool. In 1962 the salesman emerged, and his storied career in insurance took hold, with mom by his side. As an agent for Farmers Insurance group he earned countless Top Producing Agent awards, with customer service as his #1 priority. In short order he was promoted to district manager, overseeing 22 counties, recruiting and training agents, and directing company policy. He was known for his positive and encouraging mentoring methods, which lead to award-winning sales levels for his agents and the best coverage for his clients.
Dad was forced into retirement in 1975/76, when heart issues took their toll. However, he used his faith in God, the love of family, the power of positive thinking, and the outstanding care he received from the cardiac team, the pulmonary specialists, as well as his primary care physicians and nurses at St. John’s/Mercy to carry him through the next 40 years. As a family, we thank God for every blessed day we had with this strong yet gentle man, and loved him beyond measure.
Dad and mom were members of Southern Heights Christian Church in Lebanon, MO for many years, and later placed their membership with the Bella Vista Christian Church in Bella Vista, AR.
Memorial contributions may be made to Porter Chapel Cemetery and sent to HHFH, P.O. Box 236, Hartville, Mo. 65667
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