He was born April 30, 1927, in Elkhart to Porter T. and Lenora (Jewell) Bechtel. He married Shirley Stover. They later divorced. He married Mary Ellen Poling in Elkhart on July 20, 1974.

She survives, along with three daughters, Starr (Larry) Garter of Roscommon, Mich., Toni (Jim) Unger of Grand Rapids, Mich., and Melody (Dennis) Olin of Winn, Mich.; two grandchildren; five stepgrandchildren; five stepgreat-grandchildren; a stepson, Ricki (Rachel) Poling of New Palestine, Ind.; three stepdaughters, Vicki Poling of Elkhart, Carla (John) Cottey of Elkhart and Sherry (Don) Wolfinger of Cromwell. He was preceded in death by a sister, Phyllis Hopkins.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday and one hour prior to the funeral at 11 a.m. Saturday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. The Rev. John McFarland will officiate. Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com.

Mr. Porter retired in 1991 after working 25 years in building maintenance for GTE. Prior to that, he worked for Elkhart Rubber Co. until it closed. He was an active member of Little Pine Church of the Brethren, where he was treasurer and recorded services on audiotape for shut-ins. He is a former sexton of the church cemetery. He was a member of the Associated Federal Credit Union and former member of a train club. He walked five days a week at Concord Mall or Concord High School since 1992. He was a square and round dancer for more than 45 years.

Memorials may be given to Little Pine Church of the Brethren, 57061 C.R. 19, Goshen, IN 46528.