Donald Porter

Don was born in August 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Walter T. and Mary R. (Brookes) Porter. He is survived by his beloved wife Mary Beth. She survives along with his beloved children: Jennifer (Jim) York of Crown Point, IN, Vicki (Jeff) Stephens of Olathe, KS, and Jerry Porter (Randy Turner) of Chicago, IL. Don is also survived by four grandchildren: Lauren (Kayleigh) York, Sydney Stephens, Allison York, and Jake Stephens; one sister, Janice (Randy) VanGasse of Norway, MI, one sister-in-law Dixie Porter of late brother Thomas Porter of Seattle, WA. He was proceeded in death by his parents, and by his brother and sister-in-law Jack (Gayle) Porter.

After graduating from Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Don boarded a bus bound for LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas, beginning an adventure that reflected the spirit he carried throughout his life. While attending LeTourneau, Don experienced one of his proudest moments when he made a hole-in-one at Longview Public Golf Course in 1964, a story he always enjoyed sharing. Don later transferred to Northern Illinois University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education.

Teaching and helping others learn were central to who Don was. He built a meaningful career in training and development within engineering and information technology. Don began his professional journey at Pullman Standard, where his love of trains grew and where he was especially proud of his work on the Amtrak Superliner. He later spent 18 years at Urban Engineering and Johnson Controls, where he was recognized for his outstanding service in training and development. Don concluded his career at Purdue University in the Workforce Development IT department, where he found great fulfillment helping others grow professionally. It was also during his time at Purdue that his love for the Boilermakers truly began.

Don loved sports and found great joy in cheering on his grandchildren in all their activities, whether it was basketball, lacrosse, baseball, or dance. Few things made him happier than sitting in the stands supporting them. He also had a lifelong love of dogs and always looked forward to visits with his beloved “granddogs.”

He could often be found watching Purdue Women’s Basketball, Purdue Volleyball, or the Women’s College Softball World Series. Don was also a devoted fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, and NASCAR legend Richard Petty. Golf was another passion that brought him great enjoyment over the years.

Above all, Don was a devoted loving husband to MaryBeth for more than 40 years. Together they shared a deep love of traveling and making memories along the way. Whether they were taking their camper across the country to Seattle, Washington to visit family, or making their annual trip to Talladega Motor Speedway for more than 25 years to experience the excitement of NASCAR together, those adventures were some of Don’s most treasured times.

In retirement, Don found joy in woodworking and building things for others. Whether it was a picture frame, table, desk, or step stool, he loved creating something with his hands that could be given to family and friends. Don also found joy in volunteering and giving back to others through his dedication and service to Family Promise in Lafayette, IN.

One of Don’s favorite sayings, and one that truly captures the spirit of how he lived, was, “Life is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the ride!”

In lieu of flowers, his family is grateful for memorial contributions made to The Salvation Army, Lafayette, Indiana in honor of Don’s parents who both served as Salvation Army officers, or to St. Thomas Aquinas – The Catholic Newman Center at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time Zone (EST) at the Franciscan Health Lafayette Hospital Chapel, 1701 South Creasy Lane Lafayette, IN 47905. A Graveside Service will take place at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens at 2:00 p.m. Central Time Zone (CST). Please meet at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home parking lot at 1:45 p.m. (CST) to attend the graveside service. Please plan to join the family following the service for a luncheon to celebrate Don’s life at Gamba Ristorante located at 455 E 84th Drive Merrillville, IN 46140.