Joe D. Porter

Joe D. Porter passed away peacefully on March 17, 2026. He was 88 years old.

Joe was born on October 22, 1937, in Erie, KS, to N. H. (Bill) Porter and Gladys (Mosler) Porter. He grew up in Erie and graduated from Columbus High School in 1955. After four years in the U.S. Air Force, he married Wanda Oertle June 4, 1960.

Joe completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology and his Master of Science degree from Kansas State College of Pittsburg (PSU) and then his PhD in Practical Arts and Vocational Technical Education from the University of Missouri in 1981.

After spending the first few years of his career as a draftsman in the private sector, Joe then accepted a position teaching drafting with the PSU Vocational Technical Institute. He also taught drafting at Ft. Scott Community College and retired from Cottey College in Nevada, MO, as Director of Computer Technology in 2005.

Joe dedicated most of his life to education and enjoyed countless hours sharing his love of ham radio, astronomy and computers with others. He found great joy in spending time with those he loved and could often be found having coffee and conversation with his many friends at a number of his favorite local shops.

Joe is survived by wife Wanda (Oertle) Porter, daughters Jacquelynne (Porter) Powers (Mark), Indianapolis; Carla (Porter) Verren (Mike), Frontenac; son Rodney Porter, Pittsburg; a brother Lewis Porter (Carolyn) of Galena, KS, granddaughters Alison Michelle Markus, Indianapolis; and Olivia Markus, Indianapolis.

A short service to honor Joe's life will be held at the Church of Christ at 802 Centennial in Pittsburg, 10am Saturday March 21, 2026. Condolences may be left at https://www.bathnaylor.com.