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Frederick Alden Porter was called home to be with Jesus at the age of 95 on Thursday, September 22, 2016. He died peacefully in his Yorba Linda home.

Frederick is survived by his two daughters, Debbie and Cynthia, his son-in-law, Stephen, and his granddaughter, Melissa. He is also survived by his sister, Louise, and sister-in-law, June. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Melva, three sisters, Hazel, Grace and Doris, and two brothers, Robert and Gail.

Frederick (affectionately “Fred” or “Freddy”) was born on October 13, 1920 in North Lima, Ohio. Fred spent his growing up years working on the family farm that his father had purchased in Ohioville, PA. At just 12 years old, he helped alongside his parents and older siblings milking the cows in the early mornings and carrying out many o the other chores that needed tending to around the farm. One of Fred’s favorite pastimes to discuss was when he accompanied his father in the blacksmith shop that his family owned. Fred gladly helped his father install iron tires on wagon wheels, and because of the Great Depression, oftentimes would expect no payment in return. He and his family also frequently gave out food from their farm to those suffering during the Depression. From these early experiences, Fred grew into a fine young man who valued responsibility, honesty, and who knew that a little hard work In never hurt anyone. He and his family were firm believers in the Christian faith, and he attended church regularly until he could no longer physically do so. But most importantly, Fred lived out these values and passed them on to others through his many stories that we will never forget.

It was at a friend’s birthday that Fred first fell in love with a beautiful girl from the city, Melva Katish. During a game at the party, Melva drew a fateful care which read, “Sing ‘Let Me Call You Sweetheart’ to Fred Porter.” He later married the love of his life, Melva, on 1942. They were together for 72 years before she passed away last year.

Fred proudly served his country during WWII and began active duty in the United States Army Air Corps as a Gunnery Instructor. After serving in the military he worked diligently at several companies. He later achieved his career goal of becoming and engineer after completing his education. He worked for a company as an Applications Engineer beginning in the early 1960’s and retired from the same company in 1982.

Fred enjoyed many different hobbies during his lifetime. He always had a passion for music and loved to sing hymns. He learned later in life how to play the piano and the keyboard, which was something he and his wife often did together. He and Melva also loved to travel in their motorhome and took several cross-country trips together from which he developed a love for photography. Fred was always good with his hands and enjoyed wood carving, making stained glass, and tending to his vegetable gardens. Most of all, Fred loved to make other people smile; it was his greatest gift. His love for the Lord and his family were truly evident in the way that he lived his life. As the Bible says in Timothy 4:7, Fred has, “run the good race.” Now he has been reunited with his dear wife, Melva, once again.

A memorial service for Fred will be held Friday, October 7, 2016, 9:00am at Emmerson Bartlett Memorial Chapel, 703 Brookside Avenue, Redlands, California 92373. His burial will subsequently follow at 10:30am at Riverside National Cemetery