Obituaries

Samuel H. Porter

September 21st, 1934 – January 17th, 2025

Samuel H. Porter, 90, of Ipava, IL, left the world peacefully at home surrounded by his family on the morning of January 17, 2025. He was born on September 21st, 1934 in Macomb, IL, the first child of Paul & Lela (Howell) Porter. Sam married his sweetheart Linda Tyler on October 14th, 1956 in Ipava, IL, she survives.

He is also survived by his three children; Craig (and Cindy) Porter, Brian (and Lonna) Porter and Brenda (and Dave) Crouse, all of Ipava; seven grandchildren, Katrina (and Brian) Hartsock, Derek (and Nicole) Porter, Levi (and Abby) Porter, Kristen (and Mike) Peters, Laci (and Ryan) Hildebrand, Clay (and Kelsey) Crouse and Kylie (and Seth) Kessler; eight greatgrandchildren, Ava Hartsock, Evan Hartsock, Leah Porter, Mya Porter, Fulton Peters, Rhett Peters, Lainey Peters, and Crew Kessler; one sister-in-law, Nancy Porter; and two brother-in-laws, Norm Miller and Don Keefauver.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents, siblings; Bill Porter, Kathryn Miller, Mary Keefauver; one daughter, Christie Kaye Porter; and one sister-in-law, Janette Porter.

Sam was a proud veteran, serving during the Korean War from 1952 to 1955 in the United States Navy.

The phrase “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” described Sam perfectly. He looked forward to every day doing what he loved, farming. He was a lifelong row crop farmer, cattleman and inventor in greater Pleasant Township, working daily with his sons and grandsons. Deutz motors and “thinking with your brain, not your back” were a couple of his pleasures that helped him keep his zest for life on the farm.

Sam was a lifelong resident and figure in the Ipava Community. He was heavily involved in the Ipava Presbyterian Church as a 78 year member, Ipava Fire Department, Ipava American Legion Post #17, V.I.T. School Board & Fulton County Farm Bureau.

Not only did he stay busy with work and community involvement, but he also took time to enjoy the small things in life. He and “his flower”, Linda, thoroughly appreciated being around loved ones and having their family nearby. They took great joy in attending their grandchildren’s activities, including livestock shows and sporting events, often attending multiple in one day. They enjoyed traveling with friends, especially with the Ipava dune buggy crew to Branson, Mo. Lastly, Sam had fun playing cards, attending the Fulton County Fair, and being the target of his best buddy Durg’s practical jokes. Sam will be dearly missed by all of those whom he touched.

Services will be held at Ipava Presbyterian Church in Ipava on Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, at 11 AM. Pastor Charles Walden will officiate. A visitation will be held at Ipava Presbyterian Church prior to services on Thursday the 23rd from 9 AM to 11 AM. Interment will be in the Ipava Cemetery. Military Rites will be provided by Ipava American Legion Post #17. Memorials may be made to the Ipava Presbyterian Church or the Ipava Fire Department.

Condolences

January 19th, 2025

We will miss you Sam. We had many years of fun together.Don and Marlene Durga.

January 20th, 2025

We will definitely miss you Sam. We are so sorry for losing a brother, uncle and friend. Don & Joan Keefauver and Family

January 20th, 2025

So sorry for your family’s loss. Jodie & Robbins Kost

January 20th, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you! So sorry to hear of Sam's passing. Chris and Amber (Fouts) Moreland

January 20th, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers go up for peace and comfort.
Robert and Susan Cameron

January 20th, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Tommy and Pam Trone

January 20th, 2025

So sorry for the family's loss. Sam was truly a great person

January 20th, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. So sorry for your loss. Mike and Kim Johnson

January 20th, 2025

So sorry to hear of Sam's passing. He was a great man and will be missed by all that knew him. Thoughts and prayers to his family. Kevin and Stacy Roberts

January 20th, 2025

Rest now Shipmate your time o watch is done I am still is going Rodney Beck MM!(SW) US Navy retired and VIT class of 1980.

January 20th, 2025

Levi and Abby, so sorry for your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Ms. Marsha

January 20th, 2025

Sorry for you and your family's loss.
Carl Parrish

January 20th, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family . Pat and Laura Ebert

January 20th, 2025

We're so sorry for your loss. The family of Robert & Phyllis Graham.

January 20th, 2025

We're so sorry for your loss. The family of Robert & Phyllis Graham.

January 20th, 2025

So sorry for your loss. David and Peggy Naff

January 20th, 2025

So sorry for your family's loss. Jim and Deb Park

January 20th, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers go to Linda and all of his family. That wonderful bass voice is with the angels in heaven. Dean and Georgiann

January 20th, 2025

We were so sorry to hear about Sam's passing. Sending prayers, Keith & Christy Lehman

January 20th, 2025

I'm so sorry for your loss. Grandpa Sam was an amazing man. His legacy and love carries on in each of you and yours. Sending all the love and comfort -
Tiffany Cremer & family

January 20th, 2025

Sorry for your loss. What a wonderful family legacy he leaves behind. Hopefully the many memories will comfort you all. Scott and Lisa Fawcett

January 20th, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Prayers of strength and comfort in this difficult time. Terry Pilger

January 20th, 2025

So sorry to hear of Sam's passing. He will be missed by many. Always enjoyed visiting with him at ball games and school events. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dean Southerd and family.

January 21st, 2025

To the Porter families, so sorry to hear of Sam's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Carol Miller, Dave and Debbie Berry

January 21st, 2025

The Lord is rejoicing to have a great man like Sam with him. Linda and family Gary and I thought so much of Sam. Prayers for all. Gary and Judy Bloyd.

January 21st, 2025

So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the entire family. Michelle Fawcett

January 21st, 2025

Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers to the entire Porter family; keep those wonderful memories close to your hearts always.

January 21st, 2025

Last message from John & Dianne Welscher

January 21st, 2025

Sorry for your loss. Rita Linn

January 21st, 2025

Condolences to all of Sam's family, he was a good friend, a good farmer with a mind of a good engineer. Ronnie and Pat Tompkins.