Cecil Marion Porter, 85, of Pilot Grove, MO, died on Sunday, April 4, 2010 at Katy Manor Nursing Home in Pilot Grove.

He was born April 16, 1924, to William Henry and Blanche Mae Bilyeu Porter, in High Point, MO. He was married to Herma Gumper on June 22, 1947 in Dalhart, TX, who survives of the home. He was a World War II Army veteran. He farmed near California, MO for several years before moving to the Pilot Grove area in 1954, where he farmed and raised cattle. He also was a log-cutter for many years, and liked gardening, fishing, hunting and was interested in archaeology. He had a large collection of Indian artifacts which he found over the years. He enjoyed spending time with the family and was well-known for his storytelling. He was a member of the St. Paul's United Church of Christ of Pilot Grove, American Legion Post #266, and former member of the Cooper County Historical Society.

He is survived by his wife of the home; one son-Glenn Porter (Marilyn) of Pilot Grove; three daughters-Kay Beth Watring (Mike) of Lexington, MO; Karla Kirrane (Gary) of Liberty, MO; and Karen Crunk (Wendall) of Waco, TX; ten grandchildren; one brother-Melvin Porter of Russellville, MO; three sisters-Ruby Kusgen of Blackwater; June Klein of Tipton; and Opal Ellison of Hallsville, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two sons-Cecil Wayne and Darrell Eugene; six brothers-Richard, Raymond, Ebenezer, Robert, Kenneth, and Aubrey; five sisters-Dora Anna Sperber, Dorothy Russell, Jane Reimler, Linnie Dutcher, and Elsie Hohman.

Services for Mr. Porter will be Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 1:30 PM at the Pilot Grove Community Church. Burial in the California City Cemetery.

Visitation will be after 3:00 PM, Wednesday, April 7, with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Meisenheimer Funeral Home in Pilot Grove.