RUSSELL DEAN PORTER

Russell Dean Porter, age 46, a former resident of Fort Scott, Kan., and more recently of Sunrise Beach, Mo., died Monday, May 26, 2008, at his home. He was born March 31, 1962, in Pleasanton, Kan., the son of Jack H. Porter and Louise Holmes Porter. Russell had been employed by the City of Fort Scott as the animal control officer and had also worked as a heavy equipment operator. In addition to spending time with his grandchildren, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and cooking. Following an accident in December of 2004, Russell became a quadriplegic.

Survivors include his wife, Dotti, of the home; three sons, Jay Hymer and wife, Sherry, Charley Hymer and fiancé, Jennifer, and Ronald Dean Porter, and wife, Brenna; a daughter, Angel Coombs and fiancé Darrin Wood, all of Fort Scott; his father and step-mother, Jack and Lillian Porter, Spencer, Iowa and his mother, Louise Nevius, Deerfield, Mo.; one brother, LeRoy Porter, Joplin, Mo.; and two sisters, Faye Joleen Carpenter, of Rhode Island and Kim Hogan, Lexington, Mo. Also surviving are ten grandchildren that were the highlight of his life, Kaylee, Hannah, Jaydan, Adrian, Justin, Bryden, Daeson, Jersee, Bryleigh, and Drayke. Also surviving is his nurse and caregiver, Charlene Keesaman. He was preceded in death by a son, Russell Dean Porter, Jr., and a brother John Porter.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2008, at the Cheney Witt Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow in the Holmes Cemetery near Prescott, Kan. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Russell Porter Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of sympathy may be emailed to the family at condolences@cheneywitt.com.