Gene Reese Porter

Gene Reese Porter, 87, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. Gene was the only child born to Kelsey Porter and Fern (Hamilton) Porter in Linton, Indiana. Gene proudly joined the US Army at the young age of 17 following the unexpected death of his father.

Gene married the love of his life, Leve Montoya of Colorado Springs, CO. They celebrated 68 years of marriage recently in May. Gene retired from the Army after 20 years as a Master Sergeant.

His military service included 2 tours in Korea and a tour in Viet Nam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star. Following his military service, Gene’s career continued with 20 years of Federal Service with a focus on health care, working for the Veterans Administration. He went on to work 5 years more for the State of Washington Department of Health as a Nursing Home Inspector. Gene graduated with a master’s degree in business administration from National University.

Gene was a devoted member of the Tacoma Masonic Lodge and Shriners. Gene loved traveling with his family, spicy Southwestern food, cars of all kinds, stock car races, and flying. (Gene held a private pilot’s license.)

Gene will be greatly missed by his cherished wife, Leve, daughters: Sheila (Steve) Murray, Denise (Vince) Cevallos; son: Danny Porter; his seven grandchildren; Becky, Steven, Kaleb, Loney, Tim, Joshua and Zachary and his five great-grandkids; Ryan, Lauren, Myca, Joshua and Lucia.

At Gene's request, there will be no service. Donations can be made to your favorite charity.