Harry Porter

Harry Leroy Porter, affectionately known by friends and family as “Jalapeño Harry,” was born in Central, Arizona on January 12, 1938, to Sanford Perry Porter and Dorothy Whitmer. He was the fourth child born to the couple, after Harold Perry, Donald Whitmer and Marilyn Rose. Larry Elwin followed shortly after Harry to complete the Porter family. 

Harry lived in Central and spent a happy childhood there. He was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February of 1946 and remained a faithful member of the Church all his days, serving as Scout Leader and mentor to young people, and High Priest Group Leader/ teacher, two of his favorite callings.

When he was twelve years old, the family moved to Safford where Harry attended Safford schools. While attending Safford High School, he met Sharon Clawson at Seminary and they became high school sweethearts. The two sang together, watched movies, danced and went to many social gatherings. Harry graduated from Safford High in 1956. 

Later that year, on August 10, the two married, in Safford, and shortly after moved to Tempe, AZ. Six children were born to this union: Cheryl, Russell Bret, Wesley Sanford, Wendy, Kerynne and Laurelann. They have 14 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. Harry returned to Safford in later life and wanted to spend his last days here, in what he considered home.  He was recently voted “Senior Prom King” at the local senior center in Safford.

Harry worked as a sales representative in the lighting industry.  He enjoyed working with architects to help them realize their visions. He also served in the Army National Guard as Sgt. 1st Class from February 1955 until March 1986. He had a passion for history and family history. He spent many hours reading about his grandfather Samuel Uriah Porter whom he never knew. He loved Dutch oven cooking, Boy Scouts of America, fishing, camping, scouting, hunting, and cowboy action shooting. He was a fantastic marksman and gun enthusiast. He prepared his own bullets and spent many weekends with friends and family, including his two sons, hunting javelina, deer and other wild game. He had a wonderful sense of humor and could tell the best stories.  One of his favorite things was sitting around the campfire telling “stories” with his family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his siblings, his wife, Sharon, son Bret, and a great granddaughter, Aviana. Harry passed peacefully, in his sleep, on February 26, 2024. He had recently celebrated his 86th birthday with family in Safford. At the time of his death, he was residing in the Beehive Home of Safford.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 9th, with a viewing at 9:00 a.m. at the LDS Safford Stake Center,  501 Catalina Drive, Safford, AZ  85546

Arrangements are under the direction of McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel & Gila Valley Crematory located at 112 E Main Street, Safford, AZ. 928-428-1740