Kennard Porter

1928 - 2013

LCDR Kennard L.

Porter, Sr. USN (ret.)

1928-2013

LCDR Kennard L. Porter, Sr. USN (ret.), 84, of Pensacola, FL passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2013.

Ken was born in Marietta, OH on April 14, 1928 to the late Harry and Grace Porter. At the age of 17 Ken enlisted as a Seaman Recruit in United States Navy, and after a 30 year career retired at the rank of LCDR, a true Mustang. During his military career Ken served on numerous aircraft carries including USS Mindoro, USS Wright, USS Leyte, USS Midway and the USS Independence; saw duty stations including NAS Guantanamo Bay, NAS Bermuda, NAS Sanford, NAS Corpus Christi and NAS Brunswick. At the age of 34 Ken accepted his commission as an Ensign and became the oldest flight student to attend Naval Flight Officer training. Ken began a distinguished flying career as the Navigator/Tactical Coordinator assigned to VP-44 stationed at Patuxent River, MD flying P-3 Orion ASW aircraft with deployments to Argentia, Newfoundland and the Azores Islands. After fulfilling his flight commitments, Ken transferred to Naval Aviation Schools Command as a navigation/sea survival instructor and ended his 30 year career assigned to TRARON TEN (VT-10) Pensacola, FL.

After his retirement from the Navy, Ken dedicated his life to all the friends of Bill W. Through thirty seven years, his belief in this program led to the addiction recovery of unknown numbers of people.

Always known for his quick wit, his sense of humor is only equaled to his complete devotion to his family and those he loved. He is remembered by those who knew him as a powerful friend, patriot, officer and a true hero.

Ken is survived by his four children, Michael (Karen) Porter of Pensacola, Lynn Porter Haslam of Tampa, Ken (Terri) Porter Jr. of Smiths Station, AL and Karen Porter Altman of Pensacola; his four grandchildren, Matthew (Amanda) Porter of Pensacola, Gregory (Nikki) Porter of Pensacola, Amanda (Sean) Leach of Annapolis, MD and Elizabeth Altman of Pensacola; as well as his great-grandchildren, Brookelynn, Ava, Dillynn and due in March, Logan Tinley.

Visitation will be held 5-7pm Friday, January 11, 2013 at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, due to Ken's love of Naval Aviation, memorial donations can be made in his honor to the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, 1750 Radford Blvd, NAS Pensacola 32508, or at navalaviationmuseum.org.

Words cannot express the gratitude for the professional and personal care given Dad by Dr. John Wagner, who gave Dad an extra ten years if not more for us to enjoy Dad's life with us. Dad loved, admired, and respected Dr. Wagner as do we. Thank you to all the nurses at Sacred Heart Hospital's PCU and SICU for making Dad's last few days comfortable and peaceful.

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