John Joseph Porter

John Joseph Porter, 84, of Barton, Maryland, passed away on June 15, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 19, 1941, in Keyser, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Marvin H. Porter and Bonnie W. Porter (Watson). In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Norma Jean Porter (Winkler), whom he married on September 17, 1960, and with whom he shared 60 years of marriage; his granddaughter, Amber Stewart; his son-in-law, Randy Russell; and his best buddy, Mr. Bo Jangles.

John is survived by his loving children, Joanna Porter of Frostburg, Maryland; David Porter and wife Lori of Barton, Maryland; Bonnie Russell of Lonaconing, Maryland; and Dena Porter of Westernport, Maryland.

He was a proud and deeply loved grandfather to Stephanie Winner and husband Justin, Eric Russell, David Broy, Randi Russell and partner Gary, Jolisa Stewart and husband Phil, Jonathan George and wife Mary, Emily Gurtler, Carrie Miller and husband Travis, and Amber Dye and partner Rob.

He was also blessed with great-grandchildren who brought him so much joy: Macie Kate, Jesup, and Malia Winner; Sutton, Eisley, and Ackley Russell; Abby, Katie, and Parker Logsdon; Christian Kiser; and Wyatt Arnold.

John is also survived by his brothers, Marvin Porter and wife Sharon, and Rick Porter and wife Marlene, of Westernport, Maryland.

He was loved beyond measure by his entire family, and each of them will carry a piece of him with them always.

John graduated from Valley High School in 1959. He proudly served in the United States Army in Germany with the 4th Armored Division. Of all the jobs he ever had, he always said driving an Army tank was the best one. He later retired from MeadWestvaco after 41 years of dedicated service.

John enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, NASCAR racing, bluegrass music, and reunions with his Army buddies later in life. He also enjoyed gambling and vacationing with his wife, Norma; his sister-in-law, Sandy Rizer; and Sandy’s late husband, Roger. He loved farmers markets, flea markets, thrift stores, and a good fish fry. He enjoyed his morning coffee on the front porch and could often be found with a toothpick and his Extra spearmint gum.

John loved traveling and vacationing with his family, especially to Bristol, Tennessee; Amish area of Holmes County, Ohio; Pigeon Forge; Florida; Branson, Missouri; and Ocean City, Maryland. One of his favorite sayings was, “Go, while you have the chance,” and he lived his life making memories with the people he loved most.

To his family, John was the greatest man who ever lived. He did anything for anyone and took care of all of us. He was the rock of the family and the one you called for everything: to fix a flat tire, help wash your car, or tell you the weather and the cost of a barrel of oil. More than anything, he wanted his family to know that he was okay and that we were all going to be okay. John’s love, strength, humor, and the way he held this family together will be missed more than words can ever say.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, June 18, 2026 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM at Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home in Lonaconing, Maryland. The Barton American Legion Post #189 will hold a memorial service at 12:30 PM. A funeral service will begin at 1:30 PM with Chaplin Seth Wharton officiating. Interment will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Moscow Mills. Military Rites will be accorded by Vietnam Veterans of American Post #172, Cumberland.

Pallbearers will be Jonathan George, Eric Russell, Justin Winner, Gary Logsdon, Mike Gurtler, and Phil Merling. Honorary pallbearer will be David Broy.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, on Miller Road in Barton, Maryland, with bluegrass music and a picnic in John’s honor.