Kenneth Royce Porter

Porter, Kenneth Royce, of Cedar Hill, Missouri was born February 16, 1944 in Portland, Oregon to Lauren and Phyllis (nee Deplois) Porter and entered into rest Friday, June 16, 2023 in Cedar Hill, Missouri at the age of 79 years. He is preceded in death by, his parents; his first spouse; the late Sharon (Lee) Porter, one son; the late Wesley Porter, one brother; the late Gale (surviving spouse, Maren) Porter, He is survived by, his loving spouse; Suzanne (Suzy) Harris Porter, one daughter; Avena (husband Bobby) Vigue, two siblings; Virginia (late husband Robert) Biddle and Jim (wife Bev) Porter, along with numerous extended family and friends. A cherished husband, father, brother and uncle, Ken was a happy person and kind soul that was loved by all who knew him. Ken spent is childhood as an Air Force “Brat”, moving with the family from base to base as his father’s duty stations changed. This time started is lifelong love of the different cultures throughout the United States and many other parts of the world. During his teen years in Japan, he studied Martial Arts and added those teaching, both physical and spiritual, to what would form the core of how he looked at the world. Ken received a Master’s in 1969. At this time, he joined the Army Corp of Engineers, starting a career that would span for over 30 years. His passion for History, Natural Sciences, and world cultures helped guide him once he retired to focus on sharing the knowledge he had collected with others of all ages. He was instrumental in the 200-year anniversary of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Using the many contacts that he had fostered over his career, both in the government and civilian sectors, to propose, plan, and start the group that would follow the trail and celebrate its accomplishments in towns, parks, and historical sites along its route. Ken later worked with many of these lifelong friends to form group of Historians that would portray members of the Lewis and Clark expedition to educate the youth of Missouri. Their program was added to the fourth-grade curriculum throughout the state. Together they would travel to elementary schools in Missouri educating students on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Not just by explanation of lecture but buy bringing the events to life with full recreations of the clothing of the time as well as all the equipment and even the food and medicines of the day. Ken loved nature in all of its wonders, from every critter out there to all of the plants and what they all could provide for us if we would just slowdown and take our time to see. He volunteered with the Missouri Conservation Organization. Ken was always ready to reach out a hand and start up a conversation. He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 27, 2023 from 5:00p.m. until 8:00p.m. at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 6300 Highway 30, Cedar Hill, Missouri. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 11:00a.m. at Chapel Hill Mortuary followed by Graveside Service at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lewis & Clark National Park Association in memory of Kenneth Royce Porter at https://fortclatsopbookstore.com/product/donation-to-lewis-clark-national-park-association.com. Family and friends can review and share stories, photos, and condolences online at www.stlfuneral.com. Follow details of this event and others in the community at www.facebook.com/stlchapelhill.

Kenneth Royce Porter

February 16, 1944 - June 16, 2023