John Allen Porter, 69, was born on September 27, 1956, in Lebanon, Missouri, to Johnnie J. and Lois (Edwards) Porter. He was surrounded by family and friends in his home in Lenora, Kansas, on the evening of August 10, 2026, when he peacefully entered into eternity.
John was raised in Conway, Missouri, where he graduated from Conway High School in 1974. John met his “Beautiful Brown-Eyed Bride”, Ellen Hash, in Conway, Missouri, and they were married on May 5, 1979, in Osborn, Missouri. They shared forty-seven years of love together, as they skillfully worked in the manufacturing industry; served as youth pastors, pastors, and other roles within the church; helped many in need; and raised two precious daughters.
Throughout their marriage, John and Ellen lived in many areas around the country. In December of 1979, John enlisted in the US Navy, and served until January of 1986, with two additional years of Reserves. While in the Navy, John trained in San Diego, CA, Orlando, FL, and Pensacola, FL, and he was stationed in Norfolk, VA, where he served aboard the USS Nassau (LHA-4) until his honorable discharge with the rank of a Senior Petty Officer (E-6) in Electronic Warfare Operations. John participated in multiple deployments, including one to Lebanon during wartime. Following his service to his country, John and Ellen moved back to Missouri and resided in the Kansas City area. They became residents of Kansas in 1996, and eventually established themselves in Gardner from 2004 until 2020, moving to Lenora in 2020 after retirement from Cardinal Brush Corporation.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie and Lois Porter; his brother, James Porter; his sisters, Connie Jones and Jeanie Barker; his parents-in-law, Cecil and Ruth Hash; his brothers-in-law, Kevin Hash, Bill Mollison, Roger Smith, and Daniel Hash; his sisters-in-law, Sharon Sorenson and Nancy Mollison; and his great-nephew, Kody Jordan.
John is survived by his beloved wife, Ellen Porter, of Lenora, Kansas; his daughters and sons-in-law: Hollie and Shane Timson of Colby, Kansas, and Amy and Gary Farrell of Hill City, Kansas; his grandchildren, his pride and joy: Thomas Farrell of Colby, Kansas, and Rebecca Farrell, of Hill City, Kansas; his sisters: Betty (James) Scott of Columbia, Missouri, and Pauline Smith of Lebanon, Missouri; his brother: Daniel Porter of Oregon; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Michael and Donna Hash of DeSoto, Missouri, Sharlene Jordan of Grandview, Missouri, Irma and Harold Feller of Camdenton, Missouri, and Ron Sorenson of Albany, Missouri; as well as numerous nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, adopted children, grandpups and grandcats.
John loved the Lord Jesus and had a servant’s heart. He would always be singing a song of praise, even if he was off-key, as he was making a joyful noise unto the Lord! His faith and joy in the Lord carried him through his long illness. When asked about his time on Earth coming to an end, he jubilantly quoted 2 Timothy 4:7-8, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me- the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to His appearing.” (NLT)
A Visitation will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 5-7:00 p.m., at Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 North Pomeroy Ave., Hill City, Kansas. The Celebration of Life Service will be on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at Hill City Christian Church, 122 North Pomeroy Ave., Hill City, Kansas. Internment with Military Honors will be at 2:00 p.m., on August 21, at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery at 403 S. 13th Street in WaKeeney, Kansas.
The family would ask memorials to be for Living Word Fellowship, a church he attended when he was able to, or Hill City Jr./Sr. High School Music and Theater Departments. In care of Stinemetz Funeral Home, 522 North Pomeroy Ave., Hill City, Kansas 67642.
Arrangements are under the direction of Stinemetz Funeal Home of Hill City, Kansas.
