Walter N. Porter

On October 9, 2025 Walter N. Porter, passed away peacefully in his home in Kansas City, Missouri at the age of 85.
Walter was born in Alton, Illinois on February 5, 1940. Walter’s journey on this earth was marked by his strong desire to see people healed and making sure his family was connected. He held a number of roles in his life from son, brother, student, Kappa Alpha Psi brother, steel plant worker, doctor, husband, father, and grandfather. Of all his roles, grandfather was the true treasure of his retirement years. Kayla, Sydney, Alyssa, Keilan, Kiara, Papa loved you with every fiber of his being. He was so incredibly proud of the people they are and will become. His favorite pastime was “pestering” them about each of their lives to stay connected, check on their safety, and let them know he cared. Walter would want them to remember to always stay safe, stay warm, make sure you are eating something, study hard, work hard, let your parents know what you are doing, check in on one another, don’t forget anyone’s birthday, he is proud of you no matter what, and he loved you!
Walter’s voyage to being a grandfather began when he met and married the love of his life Zelda Ruth (Wills) on August 27, 1966. Walter and Zelda’s marriage was a testament that real marriages endure over the years. Their love was multifaceted and unique to them. During their 59-year marriage, the world changed, but his love and desire to make sure Zelda could cultivate a home, not just a place to rest their heads, was always at the forefront. They moved from Illinois to Kansas City, MO to build their life. Zelda was with Walter starting in college through him earning his MD and PhD, and all the years of working as a medical doctor in several hospitals/facilities all over Kansas and Missouri. Walter believed that healing was for everyone, not just those who could afford it or could get to him, being among the last of doctors who made house calls. Walter was able to work so diligently at his career because of Zelda being the steady support that supported his vision. Walter and Zelda worked side by side in his Missouri and Kansas medical offices for decades, working together to bring healing and care back to the community.
Walter was a man of few words because he preferred to show you what he was about. Expressions of Walter can be seen in the next milestone of life, fatherhood, specifically to Kyra Michelle, Kesia Monique, and Kahlea Monet. No man was greater with children than Walter. To see Walter with his children, particularly when they were young, many would have been surprised by the little things he loved to do like taking his children to paddle around on a pond, building sandcastles, taking family trips to the Lake or just enjoying family time with some of his favorite movies or music. Walter imprinted on his daughters his work ethic, the importance of family, the strength of independence, and the fortitude to endure what life can throw at you. His daughters watched him work tirelessly, without complaining, without seeking praise or adoration, and even when it was hard continuing to do good for those around him. Walter’s daughters are his greatest example of love in action. And for the man who expected nothing from anyone, Kyra through her children (Sydney and Alyssa) and Keisa through her children (Kayla, Keilan and Kiara) made Walter the richest man alive. He enjoyed those treasures from 24 years.
Walter is survived by his wife Zelda Ruth; daughters Kyra Michelle (McDonald), Keisa Monique (Dreesen) and her husband Josh, Kahlea Monet; grandchildren Kayla, Sydney, Alyssa, Keilan, and Kiara; siblings Shirley (Cesair), Eddie, Donald “Buzzy”, Donna “Sissy” (Shaw), and Michael; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Walter is preceded by his parents Griffin Sr. and Sarah A.; and siblings Griffin Jr., Pauline “Bootsy” (Humphrey), and LeRoy “Snookie”.
The Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Walter Nathaniel Porter will be held on November 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Christian Charity Church at 11000 Ruskin Way, Kansas City, Missouri 64134.

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