Virgil Porter Jr.

Virgil Porter Jr., age 77, of Galion, died Thursday, February 14, 2019 surrounded by his family at Lexington Court Nursing Home. 

Born May 12, 1941 in Wayne, West Virginia to Virgil & Lucinda (Queen) Porter, he has been a Shelby resident the majority of his life.
Virgil proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, spending 22 months in Vietnam, where he received 1 silver star, 2 bronze stars and 3 purple hearts. He had worked and retired from Miami Systems in Shelby. 
Virgil was a member of the Heritage Baptist Church in Galion, where it was his honor and passion to drive the church bus. The children who rode the bus referred to him as "Pawpaw", some of which didn't have a grandfather of their own. 
He loved to work in his garden, read books and watch westerns, he especially loved to spend time with his grandchildren.

Virgil is survived by his wife, Patsy (Lynn) Porter, whom he married August 4, 1965;  his children, Ron (Alma) Porter of Mansfield, Matthew (Krista) Porter of Galion, Holly (Chris) Vollmer of Mansfield and Heather (Shawn) Crome of Mansfield; five grandchildren, Tristin (Tori) Porter, Tabitha Stephens, Jordan Roberts, Ethan Stephens and Alivia Porter; one great granddaughter, Avery Porter; brother, Michael (Cheryl) Porter of Sandusky; sister, Alice Cassity of Bradenton, FL. and his best friend, who served in the U.S. Navy, Bill DeVault.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

A home going celebration will be held on Saturday February 23, 2019 at 11:00AM at the Taylortown Community Church in Shelby. Military honors provided by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Detail will follow. Per Virgil's request, in lieu of flowers memorial expressions may be made to the Heritage Baptist Church Bus Ministry, 1381 OH-61 Galion, Ohio 44833. 

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