William Thomas Porter

William Thomas Porter passed away peacefully on December 26, 2011. Bill was born on July 16, 1919, in Oklahoma City. His easy-going, pleasant personality and vision earned him a prominent place in the development of Oklahoma City. He was an active industrial and commercial real estate broker and developer for over 60 years. He served the real estate industry in many professional capacities including two terms as president of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors and on the Oklahoma Real Estate Commission. Bill was a graduate of Gatewood Elementary School and Classen High School. As a college freshman he attended OCU and was on the tennis team. He transferred to the University of Oklahoma where he graduated with a BS in Business Administration and was a member of Delta Upsilon International Fraternity. After graduation he attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned into the US Army. His service included three and one-half years in the European Theater during World War II. After the war he returned to Oklahoma City and entered the real estate field with his father. Bill was also active in his church serving as chairman of the board of the First United Methodist Church and subsequently as chairman of the board of St. Luke's United Methodist Church. He served on the Bi-District Board of Missions and in many other capacities. As a community leader, Bill served on the boards or advisory committees of the Downtown YMCA, Camp Classen, the Salvation Army, the Men's Dinner Club, and the Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce. He was also president of the Sooner Dinner Club and an active member of the Northwest Rotary Club for many years. Together with his wife Evangeline and his family, Bill most enjoyed visiting the family ranch in Colorado where he was known as a skillful fly-fisherman and outdoorsman. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Mary Porter and his sisters Martha Wagnon and Dorothy Spindle. He is survived by his wife Evangeline, his sister Jean McMains, his children and their spouses, Ed and Judy Porter, Melanie and Larry Sons, Fred Porter, and Ty and Mike Miskelly. His grandchildren include Heather Archer and her husband Ryan, Will Porter and his wife Lisa, Justin Porter, Alexander Sons, Natalie Sons, and Bill Miskelly and his wife Erica. His great grandchildren are Ellery Archer, Avery Archer, Julia Herberman Porter, Austin Miskelly and Tyler Miskelly. Services will be held at St Luke's United Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th, Oklahoma City, 73103, on Friday, December 30, 2011 at 2:00pm. Memorials may be made to St. Luke's Foundation.