Edward William Porter Jr.

Edward William Porter Jr.

Toddville

Edward William Porter Jr. died Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, taking his last breath in the comfort of loved ones. He was born the oldest son and second child to Edward William Porter Sr. and Effie Anna Boehl Porter. His childhood family would grow to three sisters and a brother. Growing up poor in Arkansas, Ed developed knowledge and skills for living off the land. These were further developed while working at an uncle’s farm in his early teens. He bought his own small acreage in Shueyville as a young married man with four young children. He developed his land into a farm, with the garden, nursery, animal lots and forestry providing the means for near self-sustenance. All this he was able to do having only completed the eighth grade and while working full-time as a mechanic.

He continued to strive toward his dream farm, having bought larger acreage in Toddville with his second family. He added bee keeping to his repertoire. He loved to be outdoors. Fishing. Dogs. Cats as he got older. He lived a very interesting life. He is a testament to the value of gaining knowledge through others, of hard work and of achieving beyond expectations.

Ed retired from Cummin’s Diesel after working there for years. Unfortunately, he declined thereafter, and was not able to fully immerse himself in the simple farm life he worked to one day enjoy. He was cared for at Corridor Crossing Place in his final years. He is survived by his sisters Anna and Helen, spouse Rita, and children Anna, Alicia, David, Cathy, Justin, and Jack; 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

There will be a celebration of life for Ed at the Shueyville Community Center, 2863 120th St. NE, Shueyville, Iowa, on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2023, from 2 to 6 p.m.