VERGENNES - Arthur Ray Porter, 84, of Vergennes, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 12:05 p.m.at Friendship Manor Nursing Home in Nashville, Illinois.

Arthur was born on November 10, 1939, to Roy and Dorothy (Seyferth) Porter. Arthur was a fourth-generation farmer planting and harvesting the land around Vergennes. Arthur served in the Army Reserves for six years. Arthur married Patricia Erwin on June 25, 1960, in Vergennes. He also was a volunteer fire fighter for the Vergennes Fire Department. He was a member of the Faith United Methodist Church in Vergennes. Arthur enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, Cardinal baseball games and car racing.  He especially enjoyed going to races with Jack and Roy Harris, close family friends.

Arthur is survived by his wife of 64 years, Patricia (Erwin) Porter, two children, Harlan (Cecilia) Porter and Melinda (Tim) Stewart. Cherished grandchildren, Destiny (Jay) Heininger, Rebecca (Neal) Porter, Gwendolyn Stewart, Benjamin (Katherine) Porter and Trevor (Sara) Stewart. He enjoyed watching the antics of his twelve great grandchildren ranging in age from 12 to 4 months. Norah, Lainie, Colleen, Declan, Anna, Aiden, Matthias, Gianna, Chiara, Blaise, Esther and Genevieve.

Arthur was preceded in death by his parents, several aunts and uncles and one great granddaughter, Aislynn Marie

To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-2   Arthur will be missed.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 10:00 am, at Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava, with Pastor Ron Kreid officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park, Murphysboro. Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call on Monday from 5 pm until 7 pm and on Tuesday from 7:30 am until 10:00 am. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vergennes Fire Department.