Charles Calvin Porter

Charles Calvin Porter

Services at the graveside for Charles Calvin Porter,72, of Kilgore, will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, April 24, 2021 in the Gum Springs Cemetery in Longview with Minister Chris Vidacovich officiating. Mr. Porter has been entrusted to the care of Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5:30 until 8 in the evening. Mr. Porter completed his earthly journey on Monday, April 19, 2021 in Longview.

Charles was born on August 31, 1948, in Longview to Charles and Vivian Porter. He attended Judson Schools until his senior year, when the district combined with Longview in 1966 and he graduated from Longview ISD. Charles graduated from Kilgore College and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Education from Stephen F. Austin State University.

Charles taught school for 1 year and was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War and he dutifully and faithfully served his country. In 1974 he joined the National Guard where he obtained the rank of Sergeant First Class, Tank Commander. He retired from the National Guard in 1998.

Charles was a faithful long-time member of Chandler St. Church of Christ and was very active within the congregation. Charles worked for Daily Electric, repairing electric motors until his retirement. He also enjoyed reading about history and the United States Civil War, genealogy research, traveling, doing yardwork, and growing vegetables. Charles was a very big supporter of the Sabine Cardinals, being the longest holding Cardinal stadium seat holder until 2020. His family was the source of his strength. Spending time with them was when he was happiest.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Porter of Longview; children, Angela Burch and her husband Ron of Kilgore, Shannan Arnold, and her husband Robert of Kilgore; grandchildren, Brittanie Porter, Evelynn Arnold; great-grandchildren, Zoey Custer, Landon Custer; siblings, Alan Porter and his wife Ava, Vickie Benson, and her husband Victor all of Hallsville. Also, left to carry on his legacy are numerous nieces, nephews, church family, friends, and other loving family members.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601


Online condolences may be left at www.raderfuneralhome.com