James Leroy Porter

James Leroy Porter, 89, of Conneaut Lake died at home Thursday, December 24, 2020.  He was born at home in Geneva, PA September 24, 1931 a son of Norman and Irene (Stanke) Porter.  He married Margaret O. Murphy September 24, 1961 and she preceded him in death July 16, 2000.

He was a 1949 graduate of Conneaut Lake High School and was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the US Army in Germany.  He was a heavy equipment operator with Heavy and Highway Equipment Operators Local #66 from 1967 until his retirement in 1993.

He was a life member of the Conneaut Lake Park Vol. Fire Dept. where he was a past President and Club Steward.  He was also a life member of Linesville VFW Post #7842, a member of Vernon Central Hose Co. and Pumphouse 45 in Hartstown.

He enjoyed signing up for the daily drawings at the local clubs and going to dinner with his best friends, Kenny and Mel Morian.  He also really enjoyed going to the race track in Erie with Kenny and Mel to bet on the horses.  He could tell you, to the penny, how much he had won or lost on every trip.  He was also an avid sports fan, with a three TV set up where he would watch three different games, one on each TV, and could tell you exactly what was going on in all three games.  He also loved to cook and every Thanksgiving made the turkey and stuffing for the family dinner.  He also truly enjoyed his daily visits from Davey Morian.

He is survived by two children, Cathy J. Herr (Donald) of Conneaut Lake and James T. (Tip) Murphy (Donna) of Conneaut Lake; five grandchildren, Michael Rhoades (Maryann), Jennifer Laird (Scott), Daniel Bowes (Chrissy), Matthew Bowes (Christine) and Leslie Jablonski (Frank); ten great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren; a brother, William Porter (Ellen) of Harmonsburg, many nephews and a niece.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Alvin Porter and Frank Porter and two sisters, Mary Hickernell and Norma Carner.

Due to the Covid-19 virus a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Harmonsburg.

The family suggests memorials be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Waid-Coleman Funeral Home, Inc., 12422 Conneaut Lake Road, Conneaut Lake where memories and condolences may be shared at www.waidcolemanfh.com