W. Dale Porter

W. Dale Porter of 3093 Whitehaven Circle, Galesburg, died at home on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 3:30 a.m. He was born November 1, 1924 in Mercer County to George A. and Belle Mann Porter. He married Marion Thorp in 1946. He married Caroline Andrews Goltermann August 24, 1982. Surviving are his wife, five daughters, Linda (and Norm) Beal of Milton, Florida, MariRae (and Randy) McBride of Queens Creek, Arizona, Eva (and Bruce) Basinger of Cantrall, Jean Goltermann, Jacksonville, Nancy (and Gary) Sims of Alexis, and three sons, Neil (and Clarissa) Goltermann, Stephens City, Virginia, Kent (and Karen) Porter of Alexis; and Kris (and Bobbi Ann)Porter of Queens Creek, Arizona. He has 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, George (and Phyllis) Porter, Melbourne, Florida. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Louise Maloney and brother, Fred Porter. He served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II with the 371st Engineer Construction Battalion and was awarded three overseas service bars: European African Middle Eastern Campaign medal with four bronze battle stars, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. He was in the battles of Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. Porter was in business on Main Street of Alexis for 41 years, first as owner of the Jack Spratt grocery store and then of the W. Dale Porter Insurance Company, Inc. for 30 years. He always felt a loyal obligation to his many friends and clients. He was a long time member of the Alexis Presbyterian church and since 1989 has been a member of Trinity Lutheran church in Galesburg. He was active with the Mercer, Warren and Knox County Democrats and a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was past president of the Western Illinois Life Underwriters Association and former member of the Lions Club, Elks Club and past president of the Alexis Commercial Club. He served on several Galesburg city commissions. In the 1940s, Porter sang and played horn with Glen Watson and the Royal Scots band in this area. He loved life, his friends, to sing and dance and never left a party early. A Memorial service will be Wednesday, July 16 at 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Kellogg and Ferris Streets in Galesburg, with visitation an hour prior to the service. A gravesite service will be held in Alexis Cemetery in Alexis at 3:30 p.m. Watson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Trinity Lutheran church or FISH of Galesburg.