On March 30, 1943, a baby boy was born from the union of Phillip Laurence and Ethel [Johnson] Porter, Sr. They named their new son Phillip Laurence Porter, Jr.


Phillip attended Wheatley Elementary, Sadler Jr. High and Manual Training High School. As a young child, he started his Christian journey at the Old Agency Baptist Church. He continued to follow the heritage and legacy of his family, remaining at Old Agency under the leadership of Pastor A. H. Jones.


Mr. Porter was loved by everyone who met him, always smiling and lending a hand to everyone who needed help. He met and married Billy Jo Porter, who preceded him in death, but left him a wonderful daughter and three grandchildren.


Mr. Porter received several certificates in Heavy Equipment Operation and was a Certified D.O.T. Truck Driver. He was also an independent Cab Driver in Muskogee and also in Tulsa. Phillip also drove buses for the church and Muskogee Public Schools.


Later in life, Mr. Porter met Verna Williams and their relationship led to an experience in life of Love, Companionship and Ministry that has been shared between them for the past 32 years, sharing their blessing with others. Phillip had a passion for young people, always nurturing them. He will especially be missed by those who affectionately called him "PaPa." His grandchildren were the love of his life.


On Sunday, November 1, 2009, Phillip Laurence Porter, Jr., closed his eyes on earth, but woke up in Glory, with his devoted wife and family near his side.


Those that remain to cherish his memory; his devoted wife, Verna, of the home in Muskogee; eleven children, Phillip III [Felicia], Vernell, Joseph, Adrian [Brittney], Gene [LaShana] and Jamon Porter, all of Muskogee; Juan Moore [China], Jonathan Morre [Daria], of Maringouin, Louisiana and Donald Moore [Syretta], of Muskogee; Edith Jo Payne, Rowlett, Texas and Alicia Campbell, Muskogee; forty-five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.


His mother re-married after her husband's death to Madison Burkhalter, and this union gave Phillip a brother, Vernon Burkhalter and other sisters and brothers in the Burkhalter family. He also leaves a special Aunt, Ardelia Mayes, of California anda n Aunt, Earnestine [Doug] Williams, Gardenia, California; a special Nephew, Kelly Harrell; and very special cousins, the Johnson family; two sons-in-law, Don Payne, Rowlett, Texas and Jay Campbell, Muskogee; two brothers-in-law, Milton Moore [Gayle] and Jaems Toussiant [Genevia], Maringouin, Louisiana; two God-daughters, Tarkisha Jackson and Ebony Green; Father-in-law, Joseph Moore, Maringouin, Louisiana; and a host of good friends and other relatives.

The Celebration will be on Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. in the Divine Love Christian Fellowship. Pastor Michael Webber, the gracious host, and Rev. Aundrea H. Jones, Officiating.

Burial will follow in Booker T. Washington Cemetery. You may visit Mr. Porter, as he slumbers in peaceful repose on Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM at the funeral home.