Owen E. Porter

Owen E. ""Gene"" Porter, 88, of Poplar Bluff died Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2009 at his residence after a prolonged battle with cancer.

Mr. Porter was born July 18, 1921 in Campbell, Mo. He was a member of the Tanner Street Church of Sikeston, and had retired as a salesman from Crenshaw Distributing Co. Mr. Porter enjoyed fishing, billiards and working in his yard.

On April 18, 1942 he married Mildred Abney in Piggott, Ark. She preceded him in death on Oct. 11, 2009.

Mr. Porter is survived by two sons, Bill Porter and wife Wanda of Greenville and Bob Porter and wife Carol of Poplar Bluff; five grandchildren: Tracie Porter, Scott Porter, Ron Porter, Darrell Porter and Rebecca Hodgkiss; 11 great-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Bob Porter and wife Norma of Sikeston.

In addition to his wife of 67 years, Mr. Porter was preceded by his parents, E.O. and Edith (Davis) Porter and a sister, Charles Porter Brown.

Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Friday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. A graveside service and burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Dexter Memorial Cemetery with the Rev. Rich Lee officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer that memorial contributions be made to Legacy Hospice, c/o Cotrell Funeral Service, P.O. Box 548, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.