Robert Porter

Robert Porter, 66, of Pima, passed away April 29, 2017, in Tucson with his wife, Joyce, by his side. Robert was born in Beloit, Wisconsin on March 22, 1951 to Grover and Gladys Porter. He was the youngest of five children. Robert grew up and attended schools in Roscoe, Illinois. Robert and Joyce performed together in a high school play and became sweethearts. They attended the University of Illinois together and were married in 1971. Robert's 1974 graduation with a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering propelled him into newer and bigger jobs. Robert came to the Gila Valley in 1983 with a City of Safford job offer. Robert served as the City of Safford Public Works Director from 1999 until his retirement in 2008. After a very short retirement, he took a local civil engineering position with Souder Miller & Associates. Robert loved community service throughout his 34 years of membership in the Safford Lions Club, serving twice as President and nearly 22 years as Club Secretary. Robert's hobbies also included horseback riding and fishing. Joyce and he enjoyed many hours of horseback riding and competed regularly for many years in the grueling sport of endurance riding. Robert is survived by Joyce, his loving wife of 45 years; his brothers, John of Illinois and Stanley of Wisconsin; his sister, Charlotte of Illinois: sister-in-law, Sally of Illinois; and many nieces and nephews. Robert was proceeded in death by his parents, Grover and Gladys, and his brother, Bill. A Memorial Open House to celebrate Robert's life will be held on Friday, June 2, 2017 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel. .