Robert L. 'Bob' Porter

Robert L. “Bob” Porter, age 76 of Columbia City, IN passed away at 10:51 am on Thursday July 26, 2018 at his residence.  Born on December 18, 1941 in Elnora, IN, he was the son of Olaf O. and Violet L. (Arney) Porter.

Bob attended Elnora Schools and graduated from Elnora High School with the Class of 1959. He then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.  On September 12, 1964 Bob married Marcia K. Williams in Elnora. Bob was owner of the Bob Porter Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac dealership in Ligonier from 1977-1998.  Prior to that he had managed dealerships in Indianapolis and Terre Haute.  Bob lived in Greenwood, Terre Haute, Ligonier, Scottsdale, Arizona, and in St. Augustine, Florida for 14 years before settling in Columbia City in 2016.

Bob was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church, was a member of both the American Legion, and of the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) for over 30 years.  He was an avid car enthusiast and restored a large collection of 1960s muscle cars that were featured in numerous national publications.  Bob’s favorite pastimes were drag racing his big block ’68 Camaro and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his loving wife Marcia Porter of Columbia City; daughters Julie Porter of Los Angeles, CA and Katina Porter of Phoenix, AZ; sisters-in-law Pat Stump of Columbia City and Peggy Williams of Vincennes, IN; special nieces Jennifer (Scott) Gunder of Warsaw and Melissa (Michael) Sunsdahl of Carmel, IN; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Delores Ann Johnson.

Funeral services for Bob were held on Monday July 30, 2018 at 3:00 pm with calling two hours prior to service at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

A graveside service will be held in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Odon, IN on September 7, 2018 at 2:00 pm.

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Humane Society of Whitley County.

Meng Family Funeral Home in Odon is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.mengfuneralhome.com.