Michael Porter

MT. GILEAD - Michael Scott "Mike" Porter died unexpectedly on February 23, 2025. Mike was born to Jack and Clara (Meeker) Porter on July 29, 1953, at Morrow County Hospital. He graduated in the Mount Gilead Class of 1971. He learned a strong work ethic from his family, starting with a paper route, then dipping up scoops at Porter's Frozen Custard, running a 7 Up Distributorship, managing a Western Pancake House, and then went on to owning Porter's Family Restaurant, selling cars, working with Kimball Midwest, spending his retirement as a landlord, and his most favorite job was serving as Mayor of Mt. Gilead from 2008 through 2019. He was a lover of cars, dogs, and a heated card game.

He met and married Kim Smith on April 19, 1980. They had 44 wonderful years together. They shared 4 children: Chantel Crawford, Paul "PJ" (Kara) Porter, Andy Porter (Bianca), Kinzie (Joe) Lantini. He was the Grumpy Grampy to Hayden, Evan, Jack, Scott, Cora, and Alex- the grandkids were the world to him, and you saw a spark in his eye when one of them walked in the room. He is survived by his siblings; June (Dick) Barkett, Sharon (Kevin) Weir, Patrick (Sandy) Porter, sister-in-law Rita Porter and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard, and son-in-law Brian Crawford.

He was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Gilead and was an integral part of their monthly omelet breakfast, insisting he man the grill. Following in his dad's footsteps he was an ardent supporter of the Democrat party and very active in the local campaigns. He spearheaded the building of Fort Gilead which led to the formation of the local chapter of the Habitat for Humanity. He was a member of the Morrow County Masonic Lodge F&AM #206 as well as the local United Way chapter and Area Agency on Aging. If he saw a need or a cause he was always trying to be part of the solution, and as part of his legacy, we urge you to do the same.

Mike's family will greet friends from 5 – 8 p.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Snyder Funeral Homes, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead, OH 43338. Masonic services will take place at 8:00 p.m. His family will also greet friends there from 3 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025. Services to honor and celebrate his life will begin at 4:00 p.m. with Pastor Scott Schnapp officiating.

Donations can be made in honor of Mike to the First Presbyterian Church of Mt. Gilead, 55 North Cherry Street, Mount Gilead 43338; Special Olympics Ohio of Morrow County, 406 Bank Street Mt. Gilead, Ohio 43338.

Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Mike's family. Special memories or condolences may be shared by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.