Porter, Mack A. 1927-2024 Kearney, Mo.
By NewsPress Now
KEARNEY, Mo. – Mack Alan Porter, 96 years of age, of Kearney, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.
Mack was born, Nov. 23, 1927, in Paradise, Missouri, to the late Claud Porter and the late Grace Porter. He was raised on the Porter family farm in Paradise, where he learned the value of hard work. Growing up, Mack attended Rocky Point school, a one room school house, where he states, he gained his exceptional mind for figures. To get to school, he did not have to walk up hill both ways, he rode his horse, Tony. To the day he passed, he kept a picture of Tony on his person at all times, which he talked about to whomever, with fanfare.
Mack was married to Mary Helen Gilmore for 62 years before her passing in 2014. Mack and Mary Helen founded Kearney Lumber Company in June of 1952, with barely two nickels to rub together. In order for them to purchase their first load of lumber for their new store, Mack sold Mary Helen’s car. Eventually the business found its legs and became what we all know as “Porter Building Centers.”
Mack held many occupations throughout his lifetime, to name a few, lumber dealer, teacher, coach, Army solider, philanthropist, and parent. With all those jobs be listed, no “occupation” was more fitting than him being a servant. He served his family, community, and business till the day he took his last breath. It was very obvious to anyone who knew Mack that his driving motivation for most of his decisions was to better the communities which he held dear. His work was most notable in the Kearney and Smithville, Missouri, communities, but ranged all over, from Maryville, Missouri, to Cameron, Missouri, to most of the Kansas City Northland.
Mack is survived by three children, Craig and wife Katee Porter, of Kearney, Kent and wife Linda Porter, of Kearney, and Kristy and husband Ed Charland, of Lake Winnebago, Missouri; six grandchildren, Natalie Thompson, Evan Charland, Alex Porter and wife Emily, Claire Charland, MacKenzie Helmick and husband Andrew, and Chase Porter; four great- grandsons, Connor Porter, Jackson Helmick, Ryker and Renley Porter; and one great-granddaughter, Kenley Helmick; other relatives and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Claud and Grace Porter; wife, Mary Helen Porter; brother, Howard Porter; and sisters, Mildred Fletcher and Joan Connell.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Smithville American Legion Post 58 or the E. Howard Porter VFW Post.
Arrangements made by Hidden Valley Funeral Home of Kearney, 925, E State Route 92, Kearney Missouri. 64060. 816-903-8888 As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
