TOPEKA — William “Bill” Eugene Porter, Carbondale, died Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at the University of Kansas Health System – St. Francis Campus, Topeka. He was 77.
He was born Oct. 2, 1943, in Long Beach, Calif., the son of Vernie Arthur and Mary Margaret (Whitcraft) Porter. He was raised in Kansas and graduated from Highland Park High School, Topeka, with the Class of 1961.
Unable to join the United States Army due to health reasons, Bill went to culinary school. He later began a career at Goodyear Tire and Rubber, which would span 30 years before his retirement in 2001.
Bill was a member of ABATE of Kansas and enjoyed riding motorcycles, especially his Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail. He was always up for a family get-together where he could show off his cooking skills.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Tom Porter Sr.
Bill is survived by his children, Tracy Masters (Scott), Burlingame, Paul Porter (Lorri), Cimarron, and Billie Richards (Ron), Windsor, Mo.; eight grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sandy Porter and Beverly Bicknel, both of Topeka; and his beloved dog, Lilly.
Cremation is planned, and the family will have a celebration of life service at a later date.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society of Topeka and sent in care of Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, P.O. Box 194, Burlingame, KS 66413.
Online condolences may be left at Lamb-Roberts.com.
