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of Ann Arbor, Michigan, age 76, passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at his home. He was born May 24, 1948, in Pennsville, Ohio, the son of Gerald Harrison and Marjorie Joan (Newton) Porter.

John graduated from Chelsea High School in 1968, and then enlisted in the Marines, serving in Vietnam. He worked at the mill on Dexter-Chelsea Road, Detroit Abrasives Company, Thetford Engineering in Ann Arbor, and Lucille Products in Ann Arbor. He retired from Quality Filters in Ann Arbor in 2010. John was a former member of the American Legion in Chelsea. John was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed these activities with his son.

John is survived by his life partner of 38 years, Kathy Cavender. He is also survived by his son, John Jay (Melissa) Porter of Jackson; his granddaughter, Autumn (Isabella Johnson) Porter of Pleasant Lake; his half-sister, Jean Marie Smith of Punta Gorda, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nina Cavender; and brother, Terry Porter.

The family will receive friends Saturday, August 17, 2024, noon - 2:00 p.m. at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Rod & Gun Club, 7103 Lingane Rd., Chelsea, MI 48118.

You can use the form below to share a memory or leave a public message for John's family. Please allow 24 hours for us to review and post your comment.

Comments  

#8 Nancy Hughes 2024-08-26 17:23
Kathy and the Porter Family, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. Kathy, I KNOW how hard this is on you and we never get completely over the loss, but it does get easier. You are in my prayers. I'm here if you need to talk.
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#7 Nancy Bradford 2024-08-16 21:57
When I moved into our neighborhood 23 years ago I asked around for someone to mow my lawn. John said he would and every week faithfully drive his riding lawn mower over for a long time. That meant a lot to ne and our big lawn was mowed. It is one of the biggest yards in the park & he did a good job. He was a very kind man and Kathy was sweet too. I know your in Heaven now & hope to see you one day. You will be missed!
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#6 Rex Holmes 2024-08-15 21:17
John and I spoken on phone few times after my wife spoken with her uncle John. We'd always talked about sharing snow from his town of Michigan to our town in Ohio. spoke about if he'd throw a snow ball to me that I'd send it back from my snow blower one time they had more snow then we did I mentioned sir you can share a little .Even if ya would send it ups or fed x .what a good man to talk to over phone. Broke my wife's heart this past Wed morn about her uncle John's passing family n friends that you have our condolences. John sir ty for your services. That may u sir rip. The Holmes family.
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#5 Marie Jean Smith 2024-08-15 09:22
John, It's hard to talk now, but my Love was truly
Unconditional with you and the rest of the family.
I know your resting now and happy to be with
with Mom, Dad, Nina .and Terry...and all your
Friends that has went ahead of you....Love &
See you later. Sis. Jean
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#4 Kathy Cavender 2024-08-11 22:19
John, we have been together for 38 yrs,
And to lose you is so hard. I come home
and you're not in your chair and it's just not
the same. Right now, my world is so
empty without you. I know you're at peace,
and in a better place, but I sure do miss
You. Love Kathy
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#3 Susan Jones 2024-08-10 11:10
I will treasure knowing you for the past 6 yrs at least if not longer I will miss your laughter and sense of humor and all the talks we had say hi to your fellow marine( my dad Korean war) with whom we talked about several times I won't say goodbye but I will see you when it's my time I love you my friend as well as all of your Dexter Pub friends whom also loved you John A.K.A Uncle Frankie♥️♥️♥️
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#2 Rick and Tylene 2024-08-09 13:50
You have been our friend for 50 plus
Years and to let you go is very very
Hard. The only good thing about this
Is that you are not suffering anymore.
Go rest high on that mountain in the
Sky and rest in peace. You will be
Loved and missed always, never
Forgotten!!!
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#1 The Porter Family 2024-08-08 18:54
We would like to express our deepest appreciation to Pat Smith for all he did for his Uncle John. He really enjoyed the his Saturdays with you and loved the delicious meals. It ment alot to him. Thank You!!!
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