Melvin Porter

Melvin A. Porter, age 89, passed away Friday, July 13 at the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center of Via Christi Regional Medical Center-St. Francis Campus in Wichita.

Melvin was born February 6, 1929 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to Harry M. and Esther Porter. They moved to the Malcom, Iowa area when he was five where he attended school and graduated high school.

He married Lois M. Newberry in Newton, on October 18, 1953. She survives of the home. He is also survived by his five children; Marla (Morgan) Sharp, Newton, Valeria (Rod) Skitt, Longmont, CO, Shelley Baker, Centennial CO, Douglas (Kim) Porter, S. Hutchinson, Timothy (Heidi) Porter, Newton, 10 grandsons, 5 granddaughters, 11 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. His mother, father, 3 sisters and 1 brother pre-ceded him in death.

Melvin served in the US Army for 3 years during the Indochina war of 1950-1954, serving at the US Embassy. He worked for the FBI as a clerk in Washington DC and in Phoenix, AZ for 2 years. After attending telegraph school in Omaha, NE, he was employed by the AT&SF, later BNSF, where he was employed for over 40 years. He was also employed after his retirement at Dillon’s, delivering flowers and carrying out groceries for 14 years.

Melvin will be remembered by his family and friends as a man who loved fishing, tinkering with woodworking in his garage, and his years working for the railroad and helping many Newton Dillon’s customers. Mostly, he will be remembered for loving his family.  

Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton is handling the details of his passing. Cremation has taken place and a private family gathering will take place later.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice Center. Contributions may be left or mailed to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.