Mervyn Carl Porter Obituary

Date: 18 Feb 2022 [unknown]
Location: Stevensville, Ravalli, Montana, United States
Surname/tag: Porter

Obituary^[1][2] for Mervyn Carl Porter

Stevensville, Mt. Merv will make one last journey to his hometown of Julian, California and be buried at the Julian Cemetery.

He played the trumpet in the high school band and was an outstanding athlete who set records for track. He was always tinkering on old cars, trucks, and farm equipment. He married his high school sweetheart Rae Huntamer on February 7, 1950. They enjoyed 69 years of marriage and Merv said she was the love of his life.

Merv and Rae lived in Davis California with two young children until he graduated in 1952 from University of California, Davis with degrees in Agricultural Science. After graduating he taught Ag Science and was the FFA advisor at Petaluma California High School. Merv and Rae made many lifelong friends in Petaluma and brought three more children into the family in the 11 years they made Petaluma their home.

The family moved back to Julian, California in 1963 to take over the family business, Julian Feed and Supply, with his brother Jim Porter. Merv served the community in the Lions Club, as Chamber President, and was instrumental in building the Methodist church.

After raising their family, Merv sold the business and retired with Rae to Montana in 1982. Merv worked at the Stevensville Napa store and loved interacting with people. Customers became like family to him. Many have recounted stories when Merv helped them buy parts after hours, then helped get those parts installed to get their machinery up and running. He and Rae loved to dance, and they were often at the Fort Owen Inn enjoying the music.

Stevensville area residents enjoyed his summer barbecues hosted at the Lotta Sweat ranch featuring music, dancing, and fun for all.

The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to our dear lifelong friend Arlon Bennett, who is like a sister to all of us, and her husband Bill Bennett for all the love and support they have given us and our parents, Rae and Merv, throughout our many years of friendship.

The family would also like to thank Marni Allsop and her crew at Trucare and Bitterroot Hospice.

Merv is survived by his brother James Porter (Robbie) residing in Julian, California.

In addition are his children Pamela Cote (Robert), residing in Stevensville, Montana, Michael Porter (Brenda), residing in Borrego Springs, California, Charles Porter (Judy), residing in Stevensville, Montana, Donald Porter (Serena Altilia), residing in Columbia, South Carolina, and Leslie Ann McClure (Tom), residing in Arvada, Colorado.

Grandchildren: Laura Cote (Albert Ubieta), Tina Oakes, Linda Shah (Asad), Crystal Adcock (Frank), Rory Porter, Rhiannon Porter (Kumar Mohanty), Mason Porter (Lamia), Wesley Porter, Samuel Porter, Luke Porter, Joshua Porter, Hannah Porter, Kathryn Brinton (Scott), Weston McClure (Erica), William McClure (Andrea).

Great grandchildren: Sierra Oakes, Hunter Oakes, Austin Michael Soltani, Jordan Soltani, Najaf Shah, Mohamed Shah, Lana Porter, Milo Porter, Elan Mohanty, Emma Mohanty, Jake McClure, Gwen McClure, Cora Rae Brinton, Ike Tappan Brinton, Beau McClure, and Gavin McClure.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society in honor of Merv.

Merv Porter's Celebration of Life, Stop by CJ's Restaurant in Stevensville Sunday, February 27 from 2 to 5pm to share memories about Merv.

Sources

1. ↑ Bitterroot Star, 2 March 2022, accessed 26 August 2022
2. ↑ Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/237615677/mervyn-carl-porter: accessed 26 August 2022), memorial page for Mervyn Carl “Merv” Porter (30 Dec 1930–18 Feb 2022), Find a Grave Memorial ID 237615677, citing Julian Cemetery, Julian, San Diego County, California, USA; Maintained by Zoe Tom (contributor 47000374).