Gerald R. Porter

Gerald R. Porter, 86 formerly of Dumas, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2020. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 2 oclock in the afternoon on Friday, January 24, 2020 at Morrison Memorial Chapel with Danny Logan, Interim Hospice Chaplin, officiating and Ken Cole, associate pastor of St. Stephens United Methodist Church, assisting. The family will receive friends from 5 oclock until 7 oclock in the evening on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the funeral home. Private burial will take place in Northlawn Memorial Gardens. Gerald was born on July 17, 1933 in Durant, OK to J.O. and Helen (Harris) Porter. At the age of 9, the family moved to Dumas where Gerald would grow up and graduate Dumas High School in 1952. When Gerald was 16, he had rheumatic fever which afforded him the opportunity to teach himself the guitar while he was sick, a talent he used for the rest of his life. Gerald married Loryss Lehl on September 7, 1953; the couple had just celebrated 66 years of marriage. Gerald worked at Diamond Shamrock, where he was known as Bull Corn, for over 43 years until his retirement. Gerald had many interests and hobbies which included, traveling to Branson, MO and to Nebraska, loved old cars and riding motorcycles at the river. His favorite drink was Dr. Pepper and he drank at least eight of them a day. Gerald was a family man who loved his family dearly. He was named Pop by his oldest granddaughter Tara Wurts because he always popped popcorn for her after he came home from work. Gerald was a member of the St. Stephens United Methodist Church in Amarillo and will be missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Joe and David Porter. Gerald is survived by his wife, Loryss Porter; sons: Terry Porter and wife Ginger of Canyon, TX and Dana Porter and wife Tamrya of Borger, TX; sister: Melba Morris of Dumas, TX; grandchildren: Tara Wurts and husband John of Dallas, TX, Tim Porter and wife Whitney of Canyon, TX, Tanner Webb and wife Olivia of Borger, TX, and Maecee Porter of Borger, TX; and great grandchildren: MaKenna, Kambree, Masyn, Case, and Penelope. The family suggests, with gratitude, memorials be made to Alzheimers Association, 5410 Bell #411, Amarillo, TX 79109.