Mr. John Chester Porter

JOHN attended Crispus Attucks High School and graduated in 1944. After graduation, JOHN continued his education by attending Indiana University Bloomington, in 1946. He was among the first African-Americans to live on campus. In 1950, John also attended Purdue University for a year.

JOHN was drafted into the army April 1, 1945. He served in the army until November of 1948. JOHN worked at Stewart and Warner from 1951 to 1955. He was the first African-American Sheet Metal Mechanic and Precision Assembler at Stewart and Warner. After leaving Stewart and Warner, JOHN began his employment at Chevrolet GM in 1963. He worked as a production worker early in his career with Chevrolet.  Also, he became the first African-American Apprentice Tool & Die Maker for Chevrolet. JOHN continued his career at Chevrolet, teaching employees the procedures to pass the apprenticeship test.  JOHN became the first African-American Tool & Die Maker Foreman at the Indianapolis, IN plant.

JOHN accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age. JOHN was a former member of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. While at New Bethel, JOHN served as a Deacon.

On November 23, 1954, JOHN was united in Holy Matrimony to Georgia Bell Elizabeth McCulley.

JOHN continued on his Christian journey when he joined New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in June 2010 under the direction of Dr. Melvin J. Woodard III, Founding Pastor. At New Salem, JOHN was an active, involved member and he served as a Deacon (Emeritus).

JOHN loved to play checkers, chess, cards, and billiards. He loved to build things with his hands and working puzzles. He even built the house that he shared with Georgia, on Riverside.

Mr. John Porter departed this earthly life on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the age of 90 and 31days. Proceeding him in death in addition to his parents were his wife, Georgia Porter; two brothers, Howard Porter and Leroy Porter; his aunt, Rosemary Simpson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his two daughters, Saundra Porter-Due (Clifford), Margaret Pryor (Willie), his two step-daughters, Nancy Glover, Netra McCulley, his step-son, Michael McCulley; fifteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren: eight great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and the New Salem Missionary Baptist Church family.