William P. Porter

William Paul Porter, age 73 of Battle Creek, MI passed away October 27, 2025, at Centrica Rose Arbor Place Hospice in Kalamazoo. He was born November 13, 1951, in Manhattan, Kansas to Jay and Maxine (Johnson) Porter and married Cecilia (Bonke) Porter July 10, 1976.

Bill was a 1969 graduate of Battle Creek Lakeview High School. He served in the US Army from 1970 to 1973, then was employed at the Federal Center and took data processing classes at night at KCC. He worked his way from the mailroom to IT specialist over the course of a 38-year career and retired May 1, 2009. After retirement, he worked part-time at Richard A. Henry Funeral Home.

Bill was a member of Westlake Presbyterian Church where he served on Session, attended Bible Studies, helped with Wednesday Night Dinners, and belonged to Noah’s Ark and Men’s Groups. He was church treasurer for many years, ran sound and video during Sunday services and funerals, and coordinated the church Relay for Life Team. Later, he served on the committee for Relay for Life, which included putting together the visual presentations for the event.

Bill LOVED playing and watching golf with a highlight of attending a Masters practice round in Augusta, Georgia. He also bowled and was League Secretary for the Nottke’s 5 O’clock Trio and Federal Center Mixed Doubles Leagues. He also participated in the Battle Creek church’s volleyball and softball leagues.

Bill is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cecilia, his brother Jeff (Sue) Porter of Battle Creek, MI, his daughters Sarah (Don) Blanchard of Battle Creek, MI, Julia (Robert) Snyder of Shawnee, KS and daughters of the heart Ell Dowell and Joni Vernia-Hyland. He was also a beloved Papa to Ethan, Cora, Lauren, Kara, and Alayna.

Funeral services will be held 12:30 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, at the Westlake Presbyterian Church with interment to follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Sunday, November 2, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Dementia Society of America, or a charity of your choosing.

Arrangements by Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. www.henryfuneralhome.org